If you face a significant risk from flooding, you should make sure that you are properly insured. Flood damage is not always included in standard business insurance. You may have to buy it as an option, although it should be included as standard for small businesses outside areas of significant risk.

Bear in mind that floods can be very expensive. As well as replacing stock and repairing damaged premises, your business could be disrupted for weeks or even months. Check whether your insurance cover includes business interruption and other costs. Usually sold as part of a business insurance package or added to an existing policy, business interruption insurance compensates a business for lost income, expenses and profits if a disaster, such as a flood, forces you to stop trading. The cost of the policy depends on your type of business and how important your premises and location are, as well as the length of the disruption.

Thinking ahead will help make any insurance claim as straightforward as possible. Keep your insurance policy and an inventory of important possessions somewhere safe. You may want to keep photographic evidence. An independent appraisal of the potential cost of repairs and replacements can also help. If you are flooded, contact your insurer immediately, and make sure that you keep complete records of everything you do.