Are you at risk from flooding?
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), more than half a million homes are now at high flood risk.

To find out if your home is under threat from flooding, call the Floodline on 0845 988 1188. You can also get an updated list of the areas most at risk by visiting the Environment Agency website.

If you are at risk of flooding, the ABI recommends that you:

• Protect your walls - replace gypsum plaster with more water-resistant material
• Renew your cabinets - replacing chipboard kitchen or bathroom units with plastic or steel equivalents
• Move electrical sockets and meters - position them higher up, above the likely height of flooding.

What to do in an emergency
Most insurers offer emergency helpline telephone numbers. In an emergency - such as a burst pipe or- make sure you take any necessary steps to prevent damage spreading. And keep any receipts.

Making a claim
Call your insurer and they'll send you a claims form. You need to complete this and return it with any relevant invoices, receipts or estimates. Remember to keep copies of everything.

If your claim is turned down you have the right to know why. Complain to your insurance company in the first instance. If the matter isn't resolved take it to the Financial Ombudsman website