Flood waters raise fears over home insurance

The latest downpours have also raised concerns over the progress of talks between the insurance industry and government on the future provision of insurance for homes in flood-prone areas back into focus.

Existing arrangements, under which most households at risk of flooding are able to get cover, are set to end in less than a year, and with little sign of a replacement there are fears over whether at-risk families will get affordable insurance in the future.

Insurers estimate the typical cost of repairing and refurbishing a flooded property is around £20,000.