possible flood risk

jackyann

Hello, have searched and can't find exactly what I'm looking for, hoping someone on this board knows.

A close relative had a 'near flooding experience' with water in the garden but not entering the house. He has not claimed on his insurance, as only clean up of the garden was needed. He has now installed gates at the relevant entrance, which will limit the flow of water into his property, and has laid in a supply of sandbags.

He did this as a 'common sense' measure. However, an article I heard on the radio this morning suggested that if you take 'flood risk' measures such as these you must inform your insurance company, who will then consider you a higher risk. This sounds a bit scaremongering to me, but of course I am concerned - I thought I could ask on here without adding worry to him.

He is not in a flood risk area as such, this appear to be local (mis) management of run-off from fields & road (can explain more if needed)

Thanks

paddyandstumpy

Your close relative needs to be careful when applying or renewing their insurance.
If the property has flooded (and insurers don't just mean the structure of the home when they say property), this needs to be disclosed when asked the direct question about flooding.

As a warning to you, Insurers are very good at finding out about these events, and employ very good loss adjusters too. If you don't disclose it, and the insurer finds out during investigation following a claim; you'll find yourself with a voided policy (which also then has to be disclosed) and no cover for the event you've claimed for.

Warning aside; it sounds like your relative has taken best endeavours to protect their property against future events and it sounds like this was perhaps a one off event due to mismanagement of run offs. Were a claim to arise as a result of the mismanagement, the insurer may look to recover costs against the owner of the fields, as long as negligence can be proven.

You only need to disclose the flood risk measures if asked by the insurer, however you need to disclose the flooding regardless.

jackyann

Thank you, that is very helpful