Buy To Let Landlord's Guide To Flood Recovery

Date Published:

06/06/2008

In the event of a claim situation, such as a flood, it is often useful if your insurer has a helpline service. This ensures that any repairs can be started as early as possible. If not and repairs need to be started anyway, then you must make sure you keep hold of all receipts, so they can be reimbursed at a later date.

Any items that are damaged should be photographed to prevent a dispute later. Expensive items, including carpets should be kept until a loss adjuster has seen them.

Loss adjusters only tend to be appointed where damage is severe and the claim is high and claims may take some time.

If you are flooded, all insurers will expect you to take action to mitigate losses such as moving possessions upstairs but only do so if it is reasonable and safe.

Many people worry that their property becomes uninsurable following a flood. However, insurers have said they will continue to cover homes in flood risk areas where the Government plans to improve flood defences but if no such defences are planned they may cease cover for damage caused by water. More likely though, there will be an increase in your premiums.

In order to be prepared in advance for any flooding, it is possible to check if your property is at risk and take any necessary precautions.

You can check the Environment Agency website and select 'Flood' from the right hand side and enter the postcode.

Another good source of information is your local water company, who can provide you with any information on flooding caused by blocked storm drains.

As well as using the published flood maps, look to see if any property you are buying is raised because that will be a key factor in its likelihood of actually being flooded.

The views represented in this article are those of the author and not of Channel 4. The purpose of the article is to provide general information only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal or other advice.You should not rely on any information provided in this article and you should always seek out independent professional advice relevant to your own particular circumstances.