11/11/2005

Flood-risk homes to receive better insurance deal

Homeowners whose properties are at risk of flooding are to benefit from better deals on insurance, under new proposals announced by the Association of British Insurers.

The ABI announced that it would continue to provide flood insurance to existing customers in areas of significant risk, where there were plans to improve flood defences within five years.

This commitment had previously only applied until 2007.

The agreement is expected to benefit the owners of around 100,000 homes in flood risk areas, including Selby in North Yorkshire, Fordingbridge in Hampshire and West Bridgeford in Nottingham.

Stephen Haddrill, the ABI’s Director General, said: “The insurance industry is committed to ensuring that flood insurance remains available to existing customers where flood defences will be in place within five years.

“This is good news for the millions of homeowners and businesses who rely on insurance for financial protection from the cost of flooding.

“The government’s commitment to effective management of flood risk is very welcome and enables our members to continue flood cover for almost all households and businesses at risk of flooding.”

However, Mr Haddrill said that the ABI expected climate change to “dramatically increase” the risk of flooding and urged the government to make further progress in reducing the flood risk in vulnerable communities throughout the country. “Continued improvements on the ground are vital,” he said.

The ABI’s revised Statement of Principles comes into effect in January 2006.

(KMcA/GB)




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