Helping clients prepare for flooding: A practical guide for insurance brokers

As trusted advisors, brokers play a vital role in helping clients understand their risks and take proactive steps to protect their properties and livelihoods.

Our expert Property Owners team at Geo has pulled together practical ways brokers can support clients before, during, and after a flood in the hope that this will strengthen resilience, reduce claims, and reinforce the value of expert advice.

We encourage our broker partners to read the tips below and share them with your clients, too.

Flooding is no longer a seasonal anomaly - it’s a persistent and growing risk across the UK.

With climate change driving more extreme weather events, insurance brokers are uniquely positioned to help clients understand their exposure, prepare their properties, and ensure their cover is fit for purpose.

This guide offers practical advice brokers can share with clients, along with insights to support policy reviews and risk mitigation strategies.

Flood risk's year round: What brokers need to know

Too often, we see flood-related headlines hitting the news. As mentioned, flooding can occur in any season, and the causes vary widely:

• In winter – Storms and snowmelt can overwhelm drainage systems, especially in areas with older infrastructure. The combination of frozen ground and heavy rainfall increases surface run-off.
• In spring – Thawing snow in higher altitudes and seasonal rains can saturate the soil, leading to surface water flooding.
• In summer – Drought conditions harden the ground, making it less absorbent. When heavy rain follows, flash flooding becomes a serious threat.
• In autumn – Fallen leaves clog drains and culverts, reducing water flow and increasing surface water accumulation.

Top tip for brokers: Use seasonal changes as an opportunity to engage clients in flood risk discussions. Consider sending quarterly newsletters or policy review reminders that highlight seasonal flood risks and encourage proactive planning.

Proactive flood planning: Helping clients prepare

A personal flood plan is one of the most effective tools clients can use to reduce damage and disruption. Brokers can play a key role in promoting flood preparedness.

Encourage clients to:

• Register for flood alerts via the Environment Agency’s Flood Warning Service. This gives clients early notice to act.
• Identify local sources for sandbags and temporary barriers, such as council depots or hardware stores.
• Document the property with photos and create an inventory of valuables. This speeds up claims and ensures accurate compensation.
• Store important documents and emergency supplies in a safe, elevated location - ideally in waterproof containers.
• Create a list of emergency contacts, such as local council, gas and electric supplier, fire brigade and insurer.
• Move as much as possible to higher ground (i.e. second floor or a loft space) to avoid damage. Prioritise irreplaceable or expensive items.
• Move your car away from any flood-risk areas, if safe to do so.

Top tip for brokers: Offer clients a downloadable flood plan template or checklist. The government offers a downloadable checklist. This adds value to your service and reinforces your role as a trusted advisor.

Flood defences:

Short-term fixes & long-term investments

Clients often underestimate the value of simple flood defences. As a broker, you can guide them toward both temporary and permanent solutions that reduce risk and may even lower premiums.

Short-term measures:

• Sandbags, airbrick covers, and vent covers – to block water entry points.
• Plug seals – for sinks and baths to prevent backflow. Make sure to weigh plugs down with something heavy, like a sandbag.
• Temporary door barriers – to protect entryways.

Long-term investments:

• Non-return valves – for drains and waste pipes to prevent sewage backflow.
• Demountable flood barriers – can be installed quickly during a flood warning.
• Improve landscaping and drainage – such as permeable paving or rain gardens can help manage surface water and ease pressure on drains.
• Power sockets – if possible, raise power sockets and phone cables to a higher point.

Top tips for brokers: Some insurance policies offer financial support for flood resilience upgrades. Encourage clients to check their policy wording or consider enhanced cover options.

You can also help them explore government grants or local flood defence schemes.

Property maintenance: A preventative priority

Flood damage is often worsened by poor property maintenance. Clients may not realise that insurers can reject claims if damage results from neglect or unresolved issues.

Encourage clients to:

• Clear gutters and drains regularly, especially in autumn.
• Inspect walls and foundations for cracks or signs of wear.
• Ensure hard surfaces like driveways and patios have adequate drainage.
• Check for tree removal or ground disturbance that could affect soil stability.

Top tip for brokers: Use annual policy renewals as a prompt to discuss maintenance. Consider offering a seasonal maintenance guide or partnering with local contractors to provide inspections.

Emergency preparedness:

What clients should have ready.

A well-prepared client is more likely to stay safe and recover quickly. Encourage them to assemble an emergency flood kit and create an evacuation plan.

Essentials to include:

• Charged mobile phone, torch, and spare batteries
• Medication
• Bottled water, and non-perishable food
• Waterproof clothing and boots
• Emergency contact list, including their broker, local council, and utility providers
• Important documents stored in waterproof containers
• Create a plan for safe evacuation, including the fastest routes and transport options. 

Top tip for brokers: Suggest clients keep digital copies of their insurance documents and photos of their property stored securely online. This ensures access even if physical copies are lost.

What to avoid during a flood

Educating clients on what not to do is just as important as advising them on preparation.

Critical warnings for clients:

• Don’t walk, drive, or swim through floodwater. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet.
• Avoid electrical sources when wet; there’s a serious risk of electrocution.
• Keep children and pets away from floodwater, which may contain sewage or hazardous debris.
• Wash thoroughly after contact with floodwater to avoid illness.

Top tip for brokers: During a flood, clients will likely be overwhelmed. A calm, clear reminder of safety protocols can make a big difference.

Supporting clients after a flood

Your role doesn’t end when the water recedes. Brokers are often the first point of contact for clients navigating the aftermath.

Post-flood support:

• Guide clients through the claims process, including documentation and timelines.
• Help them assess damage and determine what’s covered.
• Review their policy to identify gaps and suggest improvements for future resilience.

Top tip for brokers: Consider creating a post-flood support pack with FAQs, contact numbers, and guidance on next steps. This adds value and builds trust.

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.