Well over 100,000 new build homes in UK at risk of flooding says insurance giant Aviva

Almost 110,000 new homes built in the UK in the last decade are in areas deemed to be at high risk of flooding.

And a quarter of EVERY new home built since 2013 has suffered an internal flood from a leaking pipe or other fault.

The shocking statistics from the UK’s largest home insurer, Aviva, reveals that 8% of all new homes – that’s one in 13 – have been built in a flood zone with many having no flood defences at all.

These homes won’t be covered by the Flood Re reinsurance scheme which was set up in 2016 to improve the affordability and accessibility of flood insurance to homes in high risk areas but only applies to homes built since 2009.

Jason Storah, chief executive for Aviva UK & Ireland General Insurance, said: “It’s concerning that almost 110,000 new homes have been built in the last decade in a flood zone, leaving thousands of homeowners and tenants at risk.

“Crucially, these homes are not covered by the Flood Re insurance scheme and many may have been constructed without flood resilience. Not only are these newly-built homes at high risk, they also face the prospect of repeated flooding and may not be protected by flood defences to prevent or limit flood damage.

“Insurance can play its part by restoring homes and offering financial reassurance, but it cannot replace cherished family possessions or prevent the emotional impact that floods bring.

“It is paramount that any future plans for new homes include strengthened rules to prevent the development of buildings in current and potential flood zones but in some low-lying parts of the country this is more difficult. In these cases, flood resilience should be made mandatory in planning rules and built in from the outset.”

The research also shows that over a quarter (26%) of all new homes built in the last decade have suffered a water leak while 18% have been damaged by storms. Insurance companies are paying out on average £2,638 for each escape of water claim. These are the leading cause of home insurance claims in the UK with escape of water payouts accounting for 29% of all domestic claims.

Escapes of water typically cause less damage than a full-blown flood and the average insurance claim after a flood in a house is £31,000. Just an inch of water can quickly rack up a £20,000 repair bill.

One way to prevent flooding both indoors and from outside is to have FloodSax alternative sandbags.

In their dry state their gelling polymer can quickly soak up water dripping or leaking inside buildings to stop damage from spreading, but immerse them fully in water and they absorb the water and retain it, transforming them into instant sandbags but without any sand. Around three million have now been sold worldwide.

It means FloodSax give instant flood protection both inside and out 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with no need to panic and try to find other kinds of flood mitigation if a storm, heavy rain or deep snow is forecast. They cost around £140 for 20 – yet the typical excess for an escape of water or flood in a house is around £350 so it makes absolute sense to invest in some flood prevention measures.

Mr Storah added: “It’s worrying that many newly-built homes have already suffered a flood within five years of construction. This suggests the homes may have been built in unsuitable locations to standards which are unable to withstand flooding.”

For more on FloodSax go to www.floodsax.co.uk