Calls for local and national Government flood action

One year on from the unprecedented floods in Yorkshire, the Midlands and south west England, AA Insurance is urging local authorities to carefully consider their housing strategy before giving planning permission, and reminds the Government of its responsibility to invest in flood defences.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance says: "A year ago 180,000 people made claims for flood damage over a period of two months - normally four years' worth of claims - that totalled a whopping £3bn.

"While I believe the insurance industry responded well to last year's disaster and is well prepared for any future events, it is vital that the Government continues to invest in flood defences while local authorities should not bow to pressure to provide housing stock by giving planning permission to build in high flood risk areas. In addition, last year showed that many drainage systems are inadequate to deal with prolonged rain and it's also vital that local authorities assess future flood risks and invest in effective flood drainage management."

AA Insurance points out that a large number of people who suffered flooding had no insurance cover for their contents. "This was a costly mistake. Last year's events showed that flash flooding can occur anywhere with about half of claims coming from homes that are not regarded as being at risk, home owners should check that their home cover provides what they expect," Simon Douglas says.

"AA does not have an upper limit on its buildings cover while contents cover ranges from £40,000 to £75,000 for properties up to five bedrooms."

Simon Douglas adds: "We are aware that some insurers are assessing the continuation of cover particularly where flood risk is not adequately managed, and depending on the level of Government investment in both inland and coastal flood defences.

"But to ensure you're not left high and dry check you have a watertight insurance policy."