Flood insurance is changing could your home benefit?

As we head into the colder months, flooding might not be something you want to think about. But with new measures being developed to help homeowners understand and manage flood risk, now is a good time to check that your home and insurance are ready for winter.

Flood Performance Certificates

The new Flood Performance Certificates are designed to work a little like Energy Performance Certificates but focus on flooding instead. They aim to give homeowners a clearer picture of their property’s flood risk, the protection already in place, and improvements that could reduce potential damage.

According to the Government’s announcement, the first pilots will begin in 2026, with further testing planned throughout 2027 and beyond [source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-pioneering-certificates-to-help-homeowners-cut-flood-risk].

Practical measures could include installing flood barriers, self-closing air bricks or flood-resilient flooring. The longer-term ambition is for insurers to recognise improvements that genuinely reduce a property’s flood risk, potentially helping to improve the availability and affordability of cover.

However, the certificates are still being tested, so homeowners shouldn’t assume that having one will automatically reduce their insurance premiums.

Another change worth knowing about

From April 2027, Flood Re plans to reduce the premium it charges insurers for eligible contents-only policies in Council Tax Bands A and B from £52 to £25.

The Government expects insurers to pass these savings on to eligible customers. The change is intended to help households, including renters, who may find insurance costs difficult to manage. You can read more in Flood Re’s update on its future plans [source: https://www.floodre.co.uk/ara-2026/transition/].

It’s important to remember that this is a reduction in the premium charged by Flood Re to insurers, rather than a guaranteed £27 reduction in every customer’s annual insurance bill. The actual saving will depend on the policy and insurer, and eligibility rules apply.

You don’t need to wait for the new certificates to take action.

There are a few simple steps you can take to help protect your home:

• Check your flood risk: The Government’s ‘Check Your Long Term Flood Risk service’ (https://www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk) can help you understand the potential risks in your area.
• Review your home insurance: Check that your buildings and contents cover is suitable, paying particular attention to the excess you would need to pay and any exclusions that apply to flood damage.
• Consider preventative measures: Depending on your property and its location, improvements such as flood barriers or flood-resistant materials may help limit damage if flooding occurs.

Even if your home has never flooded before, it’s worth being prepared. And if you’re thinking of buying a property, remember that flood risk can affect insurance options and should form part of your decision.

If your home insurance is coming up for renewal, or you’d simply like to check that your cover still meets your needs, get in touch. We’re happy to help you review your options.

A little preparation now could give you greater peace of mind as we head into winter.