Flood recovery - insurance advice for flood affected households
- Claims can be made directly and free of charge to your insurer. They are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and they have to handle your claim fairly;
- Free, independent advice is available face-to-face and by telephone from the Citizen’s Advice Service;
- The FSA and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) are also useful places to turn to for further information on Insurance matters;
- You should think carefully before enlisting a third party’s help in progressing your insurance claim;
- If you do decide to hire a third party - make sure you check how much it will cost you first as they may charge a share of any sum paid out by the insurer. You should also check that they are regulated by the FSA or are an exempt professional firm such as a law firm.
Where to go for help
National Advice
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is an independent body that regulates the financial services industry in the UK.As well as regulating most types of financial services firms, one of their main aims is to protect customers of financial services, including insurance.
The Financial Services Consumer Contact Centre can answer general enquiries about financial products and services. They can also tell you if a firm is authorised and point you in the right direction if you don't know who to contact.
You can contact them by calling their Consumer Helpline (call rates may vary):
- 0845 606 1234
- Minicom/textphone – 0845 730 0104
Opening hours are between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has a useful list of questions and answers about flooding and insurance on their website.
Local Advice
Free, independent and confidential advice on financial matters such as progressing insurance claims is available from your local Citizen's Advice service. Advice is available face-to-face and by telephone.
You can find your local Citizens Advice Bureau website will have details such as opening times, phone numbers, information about access to the bureau and other languages available in addition to English or you can phone 020 7833 2181.
Useful sources of information
For factsheets on insurance
ABI Information Zone
For insurance guides and Find a Broker service
British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) Consumer Helpline – 0901 814 0015
For an insurance broker who is an IIB member
The Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB)
For guidance on making a claim for compensation
The Claiming Compensation guidance leaflet
OR Dedicated Claims Regulation site
Dedicated telephone number - 0845 4506858.
The Environment Agency's Floodwatch number is 0845 988 1188.