Flood insurance, climate risks and the Flood Re scheme

Flooding is becoming more common across the UK. Heavy rainfall, storms and rising water levels mean more homes are now at risk than ever before. Many people are now searching for a flood insurance quote to understand what protection might cost.

If you’ve recently moved to the UK, flood insurance might not be something you’ve had to think about before, especially as insurance systems work differently in every country.

This guide explains:

• How flood damage is covered by home insurance
• What the Flood Re scheme is and who it helps
• Why climate change is affecting insurance prices
• Practical steps you can take to protect your home

If you’re looking to protect your home or belongings, explore how Marshmallow’s home insurance can help.

Is flooding covered by home insurance?

In the UK, flood damage is usually included in your building insurance. Building insurance protects the structure of your home, including:

• Walls and floors
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Fitted cupboards
• Pipes and drains
• Permanent fixtures

If flooding damages these parts of your property, your insurer will normally help cover repair costs.

What counts as a flood in the UK?

People in different parts of the world have different expectations when you mention flooding. In the UK, for insurance purposes, flooding generally means water entering your home from outside, such as:

• Heavy rainfall overwhelming drains
• Rivers or canals overflowing
• Coastal flooding from storms
• Groundwater rising after long periods of rain

What flood damage may not be covered

Home insurance is designed to support you during unexpected flooding events. It is not for gradual water damage.

Most home insurance policies do not cover:

• Wear and tear over time
• Poor maintenance
• Long-term damp problems
• Damage caused by unresolved leaks

For example, if water damage happens because a roof hasn’t been repaired for years, it may not be treated as a flood claim. Always check your policy wording so you understand exactly what’s included.

What if you live in a high flood-risk area?

Some homes in the UK are built close to rivers, coastlines or low-lying land. These are often referred to as flood plains. These properties may:

• Have higher insurance premiums
• Come with larger excess payments
• Require specialist cover

You can check the flood risk in your area using the Government’s flood risk site. If you find your property is at risk of flooding, the government-supported scheme called Flood Re could help.

What is the Flood Re scheme?

Flood Re is a partnership between the UK government and insurers. Its goal is to make flood insurance affordable for homes at high risk of flooding.

Instead of refusing cover or charging extremely high prices, insurers can place eligible properties into Flood Re. The scheme helps manage the flood risk cost behind the scenes.

Who can benefit from the Flood Re scheme?

Flood Re can apply if:

• Your home was built before 2009
• It’s used as a private residence
• You live in the UK
• You buy buildings or contents insurance from a participating insurer

Not every property qualifies, but the scheme has helped many homeowners in flood plains access affordable home insurance. Find a full list of eligibility criteria here.

Why climate change is affecting home insurance prices

Across the UK, insurers are seeing heavier rainfall, more frequent storms and increased flooding events. Higher numbers of claims mean repair costs rise, and this can affect insurance premiums over time.

Major insurers have reported that changing weather patterns are already increasing claim payouts. As flooding becomes more common, insurers must plan for greater risk, which can influence pricing across the market.

This doesn’t mean insurance will become unavailable, but it may mean you have to pay more.

How to prepare your home for flooding

You can’t control the weather, but small steps can reduce damage and stress if flooding happens. If extreme weather is predicted, or your house is on a flood plain and the water level is rising, use our checklist to help prepare your home:

Before a flood

• Move valuables and important documents upstairs
• Keep emergency phone numbers saved
• Check drains and gutters are clear
• Store electrical items above floor level where possible
• Consider flood boards or door barriers like sandbags if risk is high

When flooding is expected

• Turn off electricity and gas (if safe to do so)
• Move furniture away from ground floors
• Keep a torch, phone charger and essentials nearby
• Follow local authority advice
• Close flood gates if you have them

After flooding

• Avoid switching electricity back on until checked
• Take photos for insurance claims
• Use ventilation and dehumidifiers to dry the property
• Use a pump to remove excess water if possible
• Contact your insurer as soon as possible

Do renters need to think about flood insurance?

Yes. Even if you don’t own the building you should consider flood insurance for your belongings. Your landlord is responsible for buildings insurance, but your belongings are not covered unless you have contents insurance.

Contents insurance can help protect items such as:

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Clothing
• Personal belongings

How to check flood risk before renting or buying

If you’re moving home, it’s worth checking flood risk early. You can:

• Ask the estate agent or landlord directly
• Review local council information
• Check official UK flood-risk maps online

Knowing the risk helps you choose the right level of cover from the start.

Summary

Flooding is becoming a bigger concern in the UK as extreme weather becomes more frequent. The good news is that most buildings insurance policies include flood protection, and schemes like Flood Re help keep cover accessible for higher-risk homes.

Getting the right protection doesn’t need to be complicated. You can learn more or get started with flexible cover through Marshmallow home insurance.