Flood guidance for small businesses

Contents

1. Intro
2. Prevention
3. Review your insurance
4. What to do in a flood
5. What to do after a flood

Review your insurance

Don’t assume your standard business insurance means you’re properly covered in the event of a flood. It’s easy just to focus on damage to your property and possessions, but don’t forget that the disruption involved could affect your business for months on end. You’ll need a policy that covers you for business interruption - something you may have to buy in to, although how much this costs will depend on your type of business, how important your premises and location are and the length of the disruption, so discuss this with your insurer.

Business interruption insurance could be invaluable in keeping your business trading whilst the flood damage to your premises is repaired. When considering your insurance needs you should consider how your business would cope if there was no or restricted turnover while your premises are drying out or being repaired. This is where business interruption insurance could help.

Keep your policy documents somewhere safe - but make sure you can find them easily in the event of a flood. To make putting in a claim as straightforward as possible, it’s a good idea to keep an inventory of all your important possessions, perhaps even taking photographs for further evidence.

In the event of a flood, contact your insurer immediately. They may be able to give you advice and a list of recommended tradesmen and may even be able to arrange an interim payment to cover you for any emergency repairs.

• Floodline 0845 988 1188
• MORE TH>N BUSINESS customers affected by flooding can call the 24 hour helpline 0800 300 699
• Use the MORE TH>N Business online tool to work out what insurance you need
• Environment Agency’s flood insurance advice
• Find a reputable insurance broker
• What to do after a flood
• Plan for insurable risks