Every year flooding causes millions of pounds worth of damage to UK homes and properties. The Environment Agency's most recent flood risk estimate revealed that 16% of English homes are at risk of flooding. Over 5 million people in England and Wales live and work in properties that are at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. When combined with the fact that 10% of UK holiday home owners do not have a holiday home insurance policy in place, this poses a significant financial risk.

Common causes of flooding include river flooding, coastal flooding and surface water flooding. Surface water flooding occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage capacity of the local area and is more difficult to predict or pinpoint.

Home insurance  protects homeowners from the financial implications of damage caused by explosions, fire, floods, lightning and storms. However, not all insurance providers provide cover for gardens. UK home insurance provider Prudential’s household insurance includes flood related cover, under both their buildings and contents insurance policies.

Research has shown that the average garden shed can often contain around £900 worth of equipment and furniture. Choosing a policy that makes provision for garden and shed cover is therefore essential to mitigate the potential financial impact of flood damage or theft.

Global warming has been proven to cause more extreme meteorological conditions. Climate change may well lead to more unpredictable weather and extreme flooding in the UK, making adequate insurance essential.

About Prudential Insurance

Prudential is a UK provider of affordable home insurance. Their home insurance policies offer protection against damage caused by explosions, fire, floods, lightning and storms. Visit www.pru.co.uk <http://www.pru.co.uk/insurance_protection/home_insurance/> for more information or a free home insurance quote.