By Lana Clements

One in six homes (5.2 million) is at risk of flooding, according to the Environmental Agency. Out of these, 500,000 homes are deemed to be at significant risk, which is expected to rise to 850,000 by 2035, largely because of climate change.

To raise awareness of this, a campaign called 'Know Your Flood Risk' kicks off this week.

The monumental floods of 2007 claimed lives and ruined the homes of thousands of people across Britain, bringing the issue of flooding to the forefront.

However, last year the government said it was slashing flood defence spending. What's more, an agreement between insurers and the government regarding home insurance for flood-risk properties is set to run out in 2013. 

What's happening?

Given the rising waters of 2007 cost insurers around £3 billion, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) is one camp that has definitely not forgotten about flooding.

The Statement of Principles is an agreement between insurers and the ABI to ensure that properties at risk of flooding are still able to get home insurance. However, the agreement will run out in 2013 and worryingly, it doesn't look as though it's going to be renewed. Know Your Flood Risk reckons it isn't sustainable and reduces incentive to invest in flood-risk management.

Other than the weather, the risk of flooding largely depends on the planning arrangements and flood defences of the area. The ABI applies steady pressure on the government regarding flood defence spending and town planning.

Current proposals to reform the planning process will give local authorities more powers, but the ABI says this will lead to a rise in developments being built in flood-risk areas.

"The drive towards giving local communities more say about what is built and where must include safeguards to ensure that developments are not built in flood-risk areas, so we can avoid a nightmare scenario of unsaleable uninsurable, and uninhabitable properties," comments Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance and health.

The nightmare scenario: uninsurable properties

Mr Starling is right: an uninsurable property does become a nightmare because you will lose all hope of ever being able to sell your home for a decent price. This is why what happens after 2013 is so important.

While the ABI doesn't know the exact number of homes able to get insurance as a result of the Statement of Principles, the pledge is that insurers will renew existing customers whose homes are at risk of flooding once every 75 years.

James Sherwood-Rogers, chair of the 'Know Your Flood Risk' campaign, says: "While the impact that the ending of the Statement of Principles will have on flood insurance is unknown, early indications are not good. Some insurers are already trying to rid themselves of insuring previously flooded or 'at risk' homes, long before June 2013."

The ABI says it hasn't yet seen a long-term flood strategy or how the government is planning to spend the smaller amount of money set aside for flood defence, which is needed before deciding what will happen after 2013. In the meantime, those affected are left in limbo waiting to find out what will happen to their insurability of their homes.

What can you do?

You can get an idea of the areas in England and Wales at risk of flooding through the Environment Agency's website. It's thought that newly built properties in high-risk areas will have some of the biggest problems getting home insurance in the future.

To get any form of flood cover when living in a high risk area you may have to agree to a large excess, which can run into thousands of pounds.

Alternatively, specialist brokers may be able to help; Mr Sherwood-Rogers, mentions the following companies: Brownhill Insurance,Youngs TR Insurance Brokers and homeprotect. A new company Floodbond is touting itself as an alternative to flood insurance and guarantees to have homeowners back in their property within 14 days of a flood.

If you were not previously thought to be at risk of flooding and your property floods, home insurance firms will reassess the likelihood of a repeat incident, but you can expect to see your premium rise or a higher excess.

The research from Know Your Flood Risk showed that 68% of homeowners said they have no measures in place to minimise the risk to their home in the event of flooding. Yet putting these measures in place could mean the difference between getting insurance or not in the future.    

Anything meaningful, however, will usually involve considerable investment on your part. The National Flood Forum provides a comprehensive list of products and services, from air brick covers to window and door guards.

It's a good idea to talk to your insurer when thinking about the measures to implement as they should be able to give your further advice and what will make a difference to you premium.

Here are some quick steps homeowners can take to minimise the risk of and impact of flooding, according to Direct Line.

• Clearing drains and gutters of debris so rainfall can drain from your property effectively
• Establishing an evacuation plan for your family
• Keep up to date with the latest weather and flood warnings by monitoring local television and radio services
• If flooding looks likely, place valuable and electrical items in high cupboards to reduce the impact of any flood damage
• Store important documents in a watertight bag in a dry accessible place, preferably upstairs
• Make up a flood emergency kit and keep it in a safe place. Include key personal documents, a torch, portable radio, warm clothing, blankets, rubber boots and gloves, cleaning equipment, disinfectant and detergent, heavy duty refuse bags, a first aid kit and any essential medication
• Make a list of useful numbers you may need - your insurer, your local council, the emergency services and the number of Floodline: 0845 988 1188
• Ensure outdoor furniture and other items likely to float away are safely restrained
• If your property is flooded, switch off your mains power supply to reduce the risk of electrocution and fire caused by floodwater.

After the flood

Bear in mind repair work can't take place on a home that has been flooded until it has completely 'dried out'. Unfortunately, this can take weeks, if not months – and the process will be delayed or hampered if the house re-floods. 

Your insurance company should take control of the repair process and keep you regularly updated with time scales. Most insurance policies should cover the costs of temporary accommodation.

Direct line recommends that homeowners take photographs of the damage to your building and contents or film the footage as it may help with the settlement of your home insurance claim. You should also avoid throwing away any possessions without first discussing it with your claims advisor because they will usually need to be assessed.

Finally, avoid lifting wet carpets unless absolutely necessary as they may shrink and as a matter of safety, don't use electrical equipment or gas supply until it has been checked by a qualified tradesman.