Northern Ireland flood sparks review of home insurance policies

Home insurance customers across Northern Ireland may be reviewing the terms of their policies today after flash flooding hit the region.

This week, torrential rain has fallen in parts of Ulster, with some of the most severe instances of flooding seen in east Belfast, reports the BBC.

Outlining the scale of the problem, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed it has registered in excess of 400 emergency calls so far with more expected as the full extent of the damage becomes known.

It is thought that many people have experienced extensive flooding within their properties and so the service has recommended that all affected homeowners turn off their electricity supply at the mains to prevent further damage.

Meanwhile, water company Northern Ireland Water has announced that more than 2,000 residents contacted the firm in the wake of the rain storm.

But William Duddy of Northern Ireland Water has defended the company after it was revealed that sewers have been spotted overflowing across the region.

"No sewerage system in the world is designed to cope with the kind of conditions we had yesterday," he argued.

Following the storm, many homeowners may wish to consider checking that their home contents insurance policy covers items damaged in flooding.

Certain home insurance deals incorporate large excesses for flood damage.

This means that policyholders will have to pay the initial amount stipulated in the home insurance contract towards the cost of replacements, while the home insurance company will provide the rest.

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