Property flooding & Insurance explained by Tempest Restoration

Property flooding & insurance Explained

Helpful tips, thoughts and more.

When your home is flooded, you need to report flood damage to your home insurance company. You should keep a record of dates and times you contact your insurer.

Check your policy and contact your insurance company

Different insurance policies provide different levels of cover. You may be able to get flood damaged items replaced or professional help to clean up.

Read your policy documents to check what is covered for before you talk to your insurance company.

Your insurance policy will include an excess amount. This is the amount you must pay before the company pays a claim for damage.

If you own your home

Contact your insurance company to tell them your home was flooded and you want to make a claim. If you have moved to alternative accommodation, give the company your new contact details.

You may have one insurance policy to cover damage to the structure of your home, like walls, ceilings and floors, and another to cover contents (things you own).

If you have policies with two different insurance companies, you should telephone both.

If you live in rented accommodation

If you rent your home, ask your landlord to contact the company that insures your home.

You’ll need to contact your insurance company if you have contents insurance. Tell them about the flooding and say you want to make a claim for contents.

Your policy will include an excess amount. This is the amount you must pay before the company pays a claim for contents.

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Questions to ask your insurance company

Your insurance company will send a ‘loss adjuster’ (someone who will assess the damage) to your home. The loss adjuster may not be able to come immediately if there has been a lot of flooding in your area.

When you phone the insurance company, make sure you find out:

  • how long it will be before the loss adjuster is able to come and survey the damage
  • whether the company will organise and pay for cleaning and redecorating your home
  • who will be looking after your insurance claim

Keep proof of flood damage

When you return home, you’ll need to record the flood damage so you can show it to the insurance company.

Don't remove or replace any damaged items without your insurance company's approval.

To assess your home, the loss adjuster will need to know damage to your home caused by the flooding. Before they visit, you should:

  • use a permanent ink pen to mark the highest level that the flood water reached on the walls of each room
  • take photographs or a video of the flood damage
  • list details of all flood damage in your home
  • if your insurance covers food thrown away because it has gone off, or is contaminated, make a list

Keep a record of everything related to your claim

You should keep a detailed record of all telephone calls to your insurance company and anyone cleaning up or repairing your home. This will help when you speak to your insurance company about your claim.

When you telephone, you should note:

  • who you spoke to
  • date and time you made or received the call
  • what was agreed

It’s also important to:

  • keep copies of all letters, emails and faxes you send or receive
  • keep receipts of any emergency repair work you paid for, like fixing electric fittings, so you can claim back the money

Don’t throw anything away until the insurance company tells you to (except food that has gone off).

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FAQs

A. Here at Tempest Restoration we have been providing flood restoration services to properties across the UK. In that time we have dealt with water damage of all scales. Over the years have not only been involved in 1000's of small domestic disaster restoration claims but also major incidents from the Cumbrian floods to the Buncefield fire at the oil storage terminal in Hertfordshire. Our continuous investment in the very latest flood drying equipment and technician training enables us to handle professionally any size and scale of flood damage. Our aim is to provide a prompt, professional and reliable disaster restoration service to domestic and commercial property owners.

A. We are fully equipped to clean up flood damage after all types of flood. Over the years we have helped thousands of homeowners and businesses alike recover from Coastal flooding, River flooding, Flash flooding, Groundwater flooding and Sewer flooding. Read our guide on common types of flood water. We are able to deal with all types of water including clean water, grey water (a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to) and black water (water which contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness). Read our guide on common categories of water. Floods can be caused for many different reasons. Heavy rainfall, storm water, river flooding, coastal surges, leaking/burst pipes or human error are all typical causes of flood water in the home or business premises. The source of the ingress isn't always visible neither. Water can trace itself to a point from a large distance away from the entry source. Here at Tempest we have specialist detection equipment for trace and access on water ingression to a property.

A. Flood water can devastate a property. The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots that could eventually mar a surface. At this point, the potential damage done to a structure that you may not have been aware of can be large in scale. Or, it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to loss of property. Whatever the cause, primary flood damage is just the beginning and you need to act fast to minimise the consequences of secondary damage. Your home is full of porous materials that absorb water like a sponge which will damage structural integrity. Water causes corrosion and damages electrical equipment which can be fatal if not identified. Residual moisture becomes water vapour throughout the building which will condense. If the water is not completely removed it can lead to dry rot and a high risk of microbial growth e.g. mould and bacteria which is damaging to your health and isnt always something visible to the naked eye like typical black mould in a bathroom.

A. After a safety assessment, we look to identify the cause of the water leak or ingress using various tools and equipment. Our experienced team of technicians will look to make a decision on the best course of action for your situation. The next stage utilises advanced water removal equipment followed by rapid drying technology and humidity control to remove the water and moisture from the property.

A. Their are many potential health risks associated with flood water. Apart from the initial potential risk of drowning, the further potential risks to your health very much depend upon the nature of the water. We are able to deal with all types of water including clean water, grey water (a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to) and black water (water which contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness). If there is any possibility of contamination DO NOT TOUCH IT, call Tempest Restoration on 0845 052 4522. Read our guide on common categories of water.

A. Every case is different and their are many factors that make up the scale of damage and repair required due to flood damage of a property. We recommend a site survey to ascertain the level of damage and repair required. Once on site, we are able to quickly advise on the best course of action to bring about the most effective recovery. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures the remediation process will be thorough, effective and as fast as possible, returning your home or business to normality as quickly as possible. Using the latest technology and with highly experienced technicians, our aim is to complete the restoration in the best way to reduce costs and prevent secondary damage in the future.

A. Every flood is unique and as such the timescale is dependent on many variations and factors. A small scale water leak is usually quiker to repair than large scale flooding caused by a river overflowing. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will assess the damage and act fast and efficiently to provide a tailored and precise response to your properties specific requirements. The use of modern equipment, rapid drying technology and working practise means that your home or business will be safely and quickly returned to normal, minimising disruption and cost.

A. We operate across the UK with technicians available in major towns and cities. Our head office is based in Swaffham, Norfolk where we undertake all our training.

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