Find flood insurance - Eye on Calderdale

Illustration of two people standing in flood water in their home - one person is holding a box.

Why does insurance matter?

Flood insurance is usually included in your buildings and contents insurance. This type of insurance protects your home, belongings, and business from unexpected events like fire, storms, or flooding. If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require buildings insurance to protect the property. Without insurance, you may struggle to get a mortgage or sell your home.

If your property is flooded, buildings insurance typically covers the cost of drying, repairing, and restoring your home, including fixtures and fittings. It may also pay for debris removal, professional fees (like legal, architectural, or surveying costs), and temporary accommodation while repairs are made. Since flood repairs can take weeks or even months, this support is essential.

Contents insurance helps replace or repair damaged furniture, electronics, and personal items. For businesses, insurance may also include cover for lost income while repairs are underway.

Dirty flood water residue left on a white double door shows how high the water level rose.

Flood insurance availability

If you live in a flood-prone area, your insurance may cost more and come with a higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim). Some insurers may refuse to offer cover if they see your property as too high-risk. Even homes on the same street can face different insurance options, depending on how insurers assess the risk.

Getting Expert Help

If you can’t find affordable flood insurance through regular providers, specialist brokers may be able to help. These professionals work with insurers to find cover for higher-risk properties. A directory created by BIBA (British Insurance Brokers’ Association), the ABI (Association of British Insurers), and Flood Re can help you find a flood insurance specialist.

Find insurance

Some insurance specialists may charge a fee for their services, but they’ll let you know about any costs upfront.

Red clip board with paper saying flood insurance

Flood support schemes

Flood Re

Flood Re is a reinsurance scheme that helps make flood insurance more available and affordable for homeowners. It supports households at the highest risk of flooding and also shares advice on how to reduce flood risk.

Learn more at Flood Re.

Build Back Better

The Build Back Better scheme helps reduce the damage and cost of future floods by including flood protection improvements during repairs.

If your home is flooded, you may be able to get up to £10,000 to install Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures. These upgrades can help keep water out or make it easier and faster to clean up if flooding happens again, often allowing families to return home in days instead of months.

Find out more at Build Back Better - Floodsk.

How to reduce the impact of flooding on your property

+ Simple steps to prepare

Whatever your situation, there are simple steps you can take to prepare for flooding:

Sign up for free flood warnings to get alerts sent directly to your inbox.
Prepare a personal or business flood plan to know what to do before, during, and after a flood.

+ Understanding how floodwater enters a property

Floodwater can enter a building in many ways — through doors, walls, floors, or drains.

+ Implement flood protection

While no property can be made completely flood-proof, you can reduce the risk and damage in two main ways:

Flood resistance measures – designed to stop water from getting in.
Flood resilience measures – designed to reduce damage if water does get in and help you recover faster.

There are many flood protection products available for homes and businesses. Look for products that meet industry standards, such as those with the Kitemark or similar certification.

+ Reduce damage if flooding occurs

In cases of deep or long-lasting floods, water may still get in. That’s why it’s also important to make the inside of your property more resilient. This can reduce damage and speed up the clean-up process.

+ Ger professional advice

Before installing any flood protection measures, it’s a good idea to get an independent survey from a qualified flood risk professional. They can help you choose the right products for your property. Note: most flood products do not protect against groundwater flooding, which may need specialist solutions.

For more guidance, see the Environment Agency’s guide.

What is a flood risk mitigation survey?

A flood risk mitigation survey helps you understand how to reduce flood damage and check if existing flood protection has been installed correctly. A specialist insurance broker can use the survey results to speak with insurers and help you find the best cover based on your property’s needs.

The survey can include:

An assessment of flood risk to your property (depth, frequency, duration, and type).
Details about your property’s elevation (e.g. doorsteps, air bricks).
How floodwater could enter your property.
Recommended measures to stop water getting in.
Ways to reduce damage if water does enter.
Options for reducing risk, including costs, product details, and how much risk will remain after improvements.

Blue Pages is the UK’s leading independent flood directory, helping you find trusted providers of flood surveys and protection products.

Top tips for getting flood insurance

Talk to your current insurer about any concerns or issues.
Contact a specialist insurance broker who deals with flood risk cover.
Get quotes from several insurers to compare options.
Consider investing in a flood risk mitigation survey.
Look into flood resistance products to help keep water out of your property.
Explore flood resilience measures to reduce damage if water does get in.
Join a local flood action group for support and advice.

Useful contacts and resources

Know your flood risk – Offers a homeowner’s guide to flood resilience and information on flood-resistant products.
The National Flood Forum (NFF) – An independent charity supporting people affected by flooding.
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) – Helps you find a flood specialist insurance broker through their ‘Find a Broker’ service.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) – Offers guidance on flood insurance and represents UK insurers.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – Provides guides on flooding and helps you find qualified surveyors.
Flood Protection Association – Represents manufacturers and installers of flood protection equipment. Their website lists products for both homes and businesses.
Environment Agency – For flood risk enquiries and insurance-related questions, email: [email protected].