Not only do torrential downpours make everyone feel miserable the severe weather can also cause serious flooding and damage to your property. Forecasting the weather is a science, and while you can take steps to reduce the damage and be prepared for the worst, it is also very important to insure your contents against flooding. We are often asked - will my insurance cover damage caused by flooding?

Will your insurance policy cover any damage caused by flooding?

Check all insurance policies and make sure you know what is covered and what isn't. Keep your policy documents safe and keep a note of the emergency numbers to call. If you have a mortgage then your lender will insist that your building is adequately insured. (If the building is severely damaged it could have an impact on the value of your home and affect your lender's security.) If you are a tenant, your landlord is responsible for insuring the building but it is your responsibility to insure the contents.

You can take steps to minimise damage:

• Check you have adequate insurance against flooding.
• Prepare a family flood kit and keep it in a handy place. The kit should include a torch, first aid kit, warm and waterproof shoes and clothing, supplies of prescription medicines, bottled water, food, rubber gloves, children's supplies, insurance details, portable radio and spare batteries, and a bag or rucksack in case of evacuation, and don't forget pet supplies too!!
• British Standards Institution (BSI) approved flood protection products are available on the market, designed to act as temporary protection against flood water entering your property.
• Ensure you know how to shut-off gas, electricity, oil-fired heating and water supplies, even in the dark.
• Keeping a list of useful contact numbers and monitor the weather updates. You can also check floodline updates on the SEPA helpline (0845 988 1188) regularly.

Do you know if your property is at risk of flooding?

You can find out whether you live in an area at risk of flooding by contacting SEPA, who provide detailed maps showing areas at risk. We also automatically search the website for all clients to see if the property they are thinking of buying lies in or near a flood alert area.

For more information or advice please contact one of our team.