AA Insurance has asked the government to continue investing in flood defences as well as suggesting local councils should not approve building in high risk areas.
The floods of last year were exacerbated by the inability of the drainage systems to take the water away, aspects that the government can have a big say in. Around 180,000 claims were made last year following the floods said AA Insurance, costing insurers some GBP3 billion. There were also many people without home insurance who suffered as well, highlighting the need for both buildings and contents insurance to protect the most valuable assets people have.
Looking to the future there may be a situation where insurers like AA Insurance and others refuse to cover people for flood damage unless steps are taken to improve the defences available. Such a scenario would be a nightmare for homeowners of course. An alternative may be higher premiums, though the increase would be large in order to cover the potential risk, again leading to many consumers being unable to afford the cover they need.
Tesco Finance are telling UK consumers that there are savings to be made on insurance products, it is down to people to go and get them.
Take as an example home insurance renewals. 44 percent of consumers found their premiums had gone up, but nearly two thirds of people then stayed with their existing insurer rather than looking for an alternative at a lower price. It is not difficult to change insurers said a Tesco Finance spokesman, it simply needs a little motivation to get started.
The different comparison options available through the internet can really help with this process, making it quick and easy to see policies side by side. Tesco Finance recommend all consumers should do this and see if they can reduce their outgoings.
An agreement regarding flood insurance between the government and the Association of British Insurers has been supported by AA Insurance.
The agreement will ensure there is a much better understanding of the risk of flooding in different areas as well as improving the accessibility to home insurance for households on low incomes. There will also be changes to the planning system said A Insurance to ensure developments are not placed in areas where the risk of flooding is high.
A spokesman from AA Insurance said that providers of home insurance, like themselves, are well aware of the greater risk of flooding that faces the UK and are structuring their premiums accordingly. Although the premiums will be higher than previously the good news is that cover will still be provided, something that was a concern previously when it was suggested some areas would be uninsurable.
