Flood cover in the UK is typically included in standard buildings and contents insurance policies, but availability and cost vary significantly based on your property’s flood risk. Properties in high-risk areas can access affordable cover through Flood Re, a government-backed scheme launched in 2016 that caps premiums and makes flood insurance available where it might otherwise be refused.

Is Flood Cover Included in Home Insurance?

Most UK buildings and contents insurance policies include flood damage as standard. Unlike some other countries, you do not usually buy flood insurance separately. Your buildings insurance covers structural damage from flooding (walls, floors, roof), while contents insurance covers your belongings.

However, insurers assess flood risk when calculating premiums. Properties in high-risk flood zones face higher premiums or, in rare cases, exclusions. Check the policy wording carefully. Some budget policies exclude flood damage entirely, while others impose higher excesses for flood claims.

How Flood Re Works

Flood Re is a joint initiative between the UK government and insurers designed to make flood insurance affordable and available for homes at high flood risk. According to Flood Re, the scheme allows insurers to pass the flood-risk element of a policy to Flood Re, which covers the flood portion at a fixed premium based on your council tax band, not your actual flood risk.

This means a homeowner in a high-risk area pays a capped premium rather than a prohibitively expensive one. The fixed premium ranges from around £210 per year for Band A properties to £1,200 for Band H properties (as of October 2026; verify current rates with an FCA-authorised adviser). Flood Re covers buildings insurance, contents insurance, or both.

Not all properties qualify. Flood Re excludes commercial properties, buy-to-let properties built after 1 January 2009, and properties in council tax bands I and H in Scotland. Owner-occupied homes and long leaseholds (over 125 years remaining) are eligible.

When You Need to Check Your Flood Risk

You should assess flood risk if you live near rivers, coasts, or in low-lying areas. The Environment Agency (in England), Natural Resources Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland all provide free online flood-risk maps.

If your property is in a medium or high-risk area, confirm your buildings and contents policies include flood cover. If your insurer has refused cover or quoted an unaffordable premium, ask whether Flood Re applies. Many insurers offer Flood Re-backed policies automatically when you quote, but some require you to request it.

Read also: Flood Season Alert: Why UK Homeowners Should Consider Flood Insurance

What Flood Insurance Covers

Buildings insurance typically covers flood damage to the structure, including walls, floors, ceilings, fitted kitchens, bathrooms, permanent fixtures, and outbuildings. Contents insurance covers furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics, and personal belongings damaged by floodwater.

Policies vary on alternative accommodation. If your home is uninhabitable after a flood, most buildings policies pay for temporary accommodation while repairs are carried out. Read the policy wording to confirm cover limits and the excess (the amount you pay towards each claim).

Exclusions matter. Policies generally exclude damage from poor property maintenance, gradual water ingress, or groundwater flooding (though some now cover this). Confirm what is and is not covered before you need to claim.

Next Steps

Check your current home insurance policy documents to confirm flood cover is included. If you live in a flood-risk area and your premium is high or cover has been refused, contact your insurer or a broker and ask about Flood Re eligibility. Compare quotes from multiple insurers, as premiums and excesses vary even for Flood Re-backed policies.

For personalised advice on your circumstances, speak to an FCA-authorised insurance adviser.

Important Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and is not regulated financial advice. We are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Flood insurance cover, exclusions, premiums, and availability vary by insurer, policy, and individual property risk. Always read the policy wording, key facts document, and terms carefully before purchasing. For advice tailored to your personal situation, consult an FCA-authorised insurance adviser. Verify all figures and eligibility criteria with your insurer or an FCA-authorised adviser before making a decision.