After a flood

Making a flood insurance claim

• Call your flood insurance company’s claim line as soon as possible. They’ll give you information on dealing with your claim and help in getting things back to normal.  The Scottish Flood Forum  offers practical advice and support on insurance issues. 
• Keep all correspondence to and from insurers and loss adjusters.
• Keep a record of flood damage, with photographic or video evidence if possible.
• If serious repairs are needed, beware of bogus tradesman and always check references. Your insurer or loss adjuster can give advice on reputable contractors.
• Check with your insurer if you move into alternative accommodation - reasonable costs are normally covered under your household policy.
• Make sure your insurance company knows where to contact you if you have to move out of your home.

Click here to view your frequently asked questions about flood insurance.

Cleaning up

• Check with your local authority or look under ‘Flood damage’ in the phone book for suppliers of cleaning materials or equipment to dry out your property.
• Start emergency pumping and repair work immediately to protect your property from further damage. You can do this without insurer approval, but remember to get receipts. The Scottish Flood Forum  can offer further advice.
• Open doors and windows to ventilate the building, taking care to keep your house and valuables secure.
• Contact your gas, electricity and water companies to have your power supplies checked before you turn them back on.
• Throw away food, baby clothes, toys, medicines and cosmetics which may have been in contact with flood water, as they could be contaminated.
• Wear rubber gloves and watch for broken glass and nails. Cover any cuts with waterproof dressings.
• Re-stock your supplies – flooding can happen again.