How it works
Insurers can pass (“cede”) the flood part of an eligible home policy to Flood Re for a set price based on the home’s council tax band. That lets them offer cover at prices they might not otherwise. All UK home insurers pay a levy that funds the scheme.
Who is eligible
Broadly, a home must be residential, in council tax bands A–H (or equivalent), insured by the occupants or left empty, and built before 1 January 2009. Some types of property and policy, including certain landlord, leasehold block and commercial arrangements, aren’t eligible. Flood Re’s own website has an eligibility checker and a list of insurers using the scheme.
Why 2009 and 2039?
Excluding newer homes is meant to discourage building in flood-prone areas without proper protection. Flood Re is designed as a transition: by 2039 the aim is for flood insurance to be affordable through a combination of better flood defences, resilient homes and risk-reflective pricing. That’s why Flood Re also promotes property flood resilience, such as through “Build Back Better” payments some insurers offer after a flood.
Last updated: 18 September 2026
