Flood victims helped by home insurance

The AA has stressed the importance home insurance plays in providing peace of mind to those who could be caught in increasing numbers of floods in the next few decades.

According to the Met Office's UK Climate Projections, winters in the UK will be getting wetter, with the number of flash floods expected to increase and hit places not normally affected.

The home insurance firm called for a greater investment into flooding protection and warned that those looking to reduce or cancel their cover due to the recession should consider finding more a competitive deal.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: Home insurance and car insurance claims are a natural consequence of severe weather. Yet many people are cutting back on insurance which can be a big mistake.

In the event of a flood, home insurance comparison site Confused.com advises homeowners to move all furniture upstairs, unplug electrical equipment, turn off power supplies and place sandbags in front of the property .