While flooding has been a familiar seasonal nuisance to us here in the traditionally grey and rainy UK for as long as anyone can remember, the benign inconvenience that has been associated with high levels of rainfall in the past has worsened into a substantial and dangerous threat over the past few years. The debate rages on about how much this is directly caused by climate change and the associated disruption to global weather patterns.
However, the fact remains that we are experiencing flooding on an unprecedented scale in this country, and the measures put in place by government and local authorities to deal with the problem are often out-dated, ineffectual and under-funded. Now more than ever, householders across the UK are being forced to deal with the nightmare inconvenience, spiraling cost and emotional heartache of losing property and possessions to flood damage.
What’s the difference?
If you are unfamiliar with the difference between buildings and contents insurance, it could be time to properly familiarize yourself with what the two terms mean.
Buildings – the combined cost of rebuilding your property in the unfortunate event of it being rendered completely uninhabitable (as opposed to the selling or market value of your home). If flooding were to strike your area, you would be relying upon buildings cover to restore not only the main structure of the home itself, but the surrounding grounds, fences, out-buildings and amenities to their original condition. It is therefore crucial to take out a policy that details the precise cost of this work (if in doubt, contact a surveyor), even though it is not strictly speaking a legal requirement to have buildings insurance in this country.
Contents – In a nutshell this would be all of the things that you would take with you, should you decide to move house. A complete inventory should be made that takes into account the current price of replacing these possessions, as opposed to what you paid for it in the original instance. Remember to include any white goods, and those hidden away out of immediate sight – particularly in lofts or basements.
Many forms of flooding
Those people who are unfortunate enough to live in a low-lying areas close to flood-prone rivers or coastal inlets will be probably be well aware of the related dangers, and should have already taken out a policy that specifically refers to this possibility. What may come as a surprise to other home-owners is the threat of flooding from other sources, such as slow leakage caused by deterioration in basement tanking, poorly maintained roof tiles, antiquated plumbing systems and burst water mains.
If you have any doubt about your coverage, or find your current provider unhelpful when contacted about these concerns, try looking afresh at insurance in case of flood. The cost of carrying out building work or replacing belongings can be astronomical, so take a few moments to look at an easily accessible online provider such as Swiftcover and take action now to set your mind at rest.
