Flood-risk houses 'uninsurable'

Tuesday, 10 February 2009 12:00

New houses built in areas at risk of flooding could be uninsurable, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has warned.

A report from the Environment Agency revealed during 2007 and 2008, 240 homes were given planning permission despite warnings of a flood risk.

Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance and health, said: "Building on floodplains should be avoided, but if it has to take place then developers must ensure that properties incorporate measures to reduce and manage the flood risk.

"Without proper measures to reduce flood risk, these properties will be uninsurable, unsellable and uninhabitable."

The insurance industry has warned before that consumers in flood-prone areas could find it difficult or impossible to find cover for their homes unless action is taken to reduce the risk.

If a home is uninsurable, a prospective buyer could struggle to find a mortgage, making the property difficult to sell.

As heavy rains sweep southern England, the Environment Agency has issued 273 flood warnings for England and Wales, including one severe flood warning at Chelmsford, Essex.

The ABI has made an agreement with the government that flood insurance cover will be provides as long as the state maintains investment in flood defences.

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