By James Rodger

Copyright birminghammail

UK households have been told to “disclose it” or run the risk of losing home insurance. With summer drawing to a close, the UK is bracing for the wet and stormy months ahead. But new data shows that millions of households may be heading into winter unprepared. According to the latest research from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs , two-thirds of households living in designated flood risk zones are unaware that they fall into this category. Holly Andrews, Managing Director at KIS Finance , said: “Far too many homeowners don’t realise the importance of understanding their property’s flood risk, and unfortunately, this can have devastating consequences. READ MORE UK households with white walls warned as epidemic starts to sweep England “If your home falls within a designated flood risk zone, this can have a direct impact on your insurance cover.” Property insurers paid out the equivalent of £13 million every day last year to help homeowners and businesses cope with unexpected and unwanted events like flooding. While the total number of claims remained fairly level, the average claim paid to businesses and homeowners rose to £6,235. Holly said: “Failing to disclose this crucial detail when arranging or renewing your policy could leave you dangerously exposed, as insurers may refuse to pay out on claims or even void the policy altogether. “Essentially, you could lose the financial safety net you thought you had in place right at the moment you need it most. And flooding doesn’t just damage your property, it can derail your wider finances. “Homeowners often end up taking on debt or dipping into long-term savings to cover repairs when insurance doesn’t pay out, and this can have a knock-on effect on their financial stability for years. “Thankfully, checking your property’s risk status is simple and free. The Environment Agency provides detailed online flood maps that allow homeowners to search by postcode and see if they fall into an at-risk category. “This quick check gives you the information you need to make sure your insurance policy is accurate, valid, and offers the protection you expect. “If you do find that your home is in a flood risk area, it’s essential to inform your insurer straight away and ensure that your cover reflects this reality. “Being transparent about your risk may increase your premium slightly, but it’s far better than facing the long-term financial consequences of voided cover. “What many don’t realise is that rejected claims can affect your ability to secure insurance in the future, potentially limiting your options for years to come. “And being proactive could save you from enormous financial loss and emotional stress in the future. “It’s always better to know your risk and be fully protected than to discover too late that your cover won’t pay out.”