The worst floods in the history of Ireland have brought despair and disaster to so many homes across the country, particularly those in the south and west.  For those unfortunate families affected, mention of climate change improvement and cessation of building on flood plains brings scant consolation as they survey the damage caused to their homes. Many will not be in a position to return to their homes until after Christmas.

Unfortunately, in areas with a history of flooding, many home owners are unable to get insurance cover. Those that are now affected for the first time may have difficulty in renewing cover when it falls due or more likely will face a stiff increase in premiums. What has occured is a national disaster and should be treated as such by government. Immediate aid is needed in the worst affected areas. It is needed now, not after a national debate on the matter. Suggestions that €10 million will be dispensed to the needy and should alleviate the damage are wildly off the mark. This will take hundreds of millions to remedy without dealing with the underlying cause.  

Insurance Services Ireland, a leading online advice website, predicts that the current estimates of damage are only preliminary- flooding is still occuring and more rainfall is forecast. It urges policy holders to notify their broker or underwriter immediately after an incident, even though the full extent of the damage may be impossible to ascertain at that point. A second incident of flooding as a direct result of high water levels from the first incident is considered one event by all insurance underwriters, so don’t hold off informing your broker or company.

On a more practical point, they say all contents should be moved upstairs or, if possible, in the case of single storey buildings or ground floor apartments, moved to storage or friends houses in the event of repeat flooding.

An issue for another day is the amount of homes in Ireland that cannot get cover because flooding history. Surely a national scheme could be devised that provides some cover for those whom the insurance companies ignore as too high of risk.  We would welcome your opinions.