Does this affect my insurance?

Our work with the insurance industry

We are working with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to support the insurance industry's commitment to continue offering flood risk insurance to the vast majority of homes and businesses in flood risk areas. 

For instance, we supply insurance companies that are members of the ABI with information that gives a national assessment of the likelihood of flooding from rivers and the sea.  Our assessment looks at the floodplain and takes into account the presence of flood defences in the local area. This provides a first step for insurers in assessing insurance.

While we have no role in determining insurance cover itself, we do share a common goal with the ABI to improve flood mapping and provide the best available information to the public.

Will this affect my insurance?

If we know your area is at risk of flooding it's likely your insurance company does too as most UK insurers have copies of our flood risk mapping. 

Being aware and taking action to reduce the risk of flooding to your property may even bring your insurance premiums down. 

To find out more about how you can prepare and protect your property from flooding, visit our ‘How can I be prepared?’ page.

Find out if you’re in an area at risk of flooding

Anyone can access the same information that is available to insurance companies by using our Flood Map. The Flood Map allows you to find out what the likelihood of flooding from rivers and the sea is in your local area.

Additional information may also be available through your local Environment Agency office.

Struggling to get insurance?

If you are finding it difficult to get insurance you could try:

• Talking to one of the brokers who specialise in properties that are difficult to insure. You should be able to find these brokers in the Yellow Pages.  You can also find a broker on the British Insurance Brokers' Association website or by calling its broker helpline on 0870 950 1790.
• Contacting the ABI.  They can provide you with details of possible insurers. 
• Contacting the National Flood Forum (NFF) which may also be able to help. The NFF is an independent, grassroots organisation, which offers support to those affected by flooding. For more information, visit the National Flood Forum website or contact the National Flood Forum on 01299 403055.

• Flood risk and insurance information sheet (PDF, 100KB)