The Approach of ABI Members to Late Reported Flood Claims Following the Purchase of a Domestic Property

The ABI has become aware of a number of claims which have been notified to insurers after a customer has moved into a property and some time later discovered that the property has been damaged by earlier flooding. This is despite the customer getting a survey which did not pick up any evidence of flood damage.

In these cases the customer should submit their claim to their current insurer. Their insurer will then investigate the claim to establish whether the damage was caused by flooding. If these investigations conclude that the damage was caused by flooding they will deal with the claim. However, if the insurer concludes that the damage was not caused by flooding and was caused by something which is not covered by the insurance, then the insurer may decline the claim. In these circumstances, if the policyholder makes a complaint they will be directed to the insurer's complaints procedure.

It is up to individual insurers to decide whether they wish to seek recovery from other insurers, surveyors or other parties.