 |
  | ||||||
| Sefton Coast Partnership | Shoreline Management | Nature and Wildlife | Coastal Heritage | Visiting the Coast | Students and Teachers | Coastlines | |
|
Winter 2002Flood Risk and InsuranceArticle by Graham Lymbery, Project Leader Coast Defence, Sefton MBCA number of residents in Sefton have contacted the Council with regard to their household insurance, when renewing their insurance they have been concerned by large increases in the premium and references to them living in flood risk areas. In the past insurance companies have tended to apply a flat rate to all properties so that the risk from flooding has been spread over everyone's premiums, this is changing, particularly in response to the significant flood events we have had over the past 5 years. Many insurance companies are now basing their decisions on whether or not a property has a history of flooding or is at risk of flooding, often using the indicative floodplain mapping supplied by the Environment Agency (available at www.environment-agency.gov.uk). These maps use information currently available, based on historical flood records and geographical models. They indicate where flooding from rivers, streams, watercourses or the sea, is possible. However, the maps do not show flood defences, which offer vital protection in many areas. Flood forecasting is not a precise science and the maps can only give a general indication of risk.
What should you do if you are affected by this?
|
|
