Co-op launches flood initiative for affected home owners

The Co-operative Insurance has launched a new service that will help flood victims apply for government grants to make their homes more flood resistant.

The new Co-operative Insurance service includes:

• Free advice on how to make flood resilient repairs to weather damaged properties; and
• Help in applying for the new £5,000 government grant

Under the scheme, the government will provide “repair and renewal grants” of up to £5,000 for homeowners in England from 1 April. The grants will go beyond reinstatement repairs covered by insurance claims to help better guard homes against future flood damage.

Co-operative Insurance head of claims Jonathan Guy said: “The floods and extreme weather that has hit many areas of the country are devastating to see and we have been doing all we can to help those affected by the storms and floods to recover.

“It’s important to us that we are there for our customers at their time of need and this new initiative will help us to help them. Resilient repair work can not only offer peace of mind, but it’s crucial for homeowners looking to protect their homes as best they can.”

“This is about giving customers the information,” he added.

“We’re not trying to benefit financially in any way from this. We want to provide guideline costs. If they want help sourcing suppliers, I’m sure our loss adjustors can help with that but they can use the information however they like and it’s their decision.”

A One Poll poll of 2,000 people commissioned by the insurer found that only 6% of people had heard about the government scheme.

The research also found that over half (54%) of the country believe the recent spate of extreme weather is the ‘new normal’ with over 40% of consumers considering making their home more weather-proof in response.

Waterproofing walls and tiling floors were the most popular form of resilient repair (see below), with fitting air brick covers making up the top three.