12 July 2010 / by Rachael Stiles
Aviva has highlighted the risk that flooding poses to businesses, and the importance of having adequate business insurance in place.
Aviva business insurance is advising businesses on what measures they can take in order to reduce this risk of flooding, and emphasizes how business insurance providers should evaluate policies on an individual basis and to ensure that premiums reflect the level of risk at a property, rather than basing them on a business’ post code.
Ian Shelley, technical manager for property at Aviva, said: “Helping our customers to better understand the risk posed by flooding to their business, and the measures which can be taken to reduce them, is vitally important to us.
“While it may not be possible to eliminate the risk of flooding altogether, many practical steps can be taken to reduce the risk of flood damage, particularly if a business is in a high risk area.”
Aviva says that figures show at least 2.5 million properties in England and Wales are at risk of flooding from overflowing rivers or the sea, with one million of these also at risk of surface flooding, in addition to a further three million also at risk of surface flooding.
The insurer also warned other insurance providers to consider that climate change is likely to increase the risk of flooding in future, and to urge their customers to take necessary steps to mitigate the risks.
To make commercial enterprises aware of the impact that flooding could have, Aviva has announced it will be including an advisory leaflet in its commercial renewals packs, as well as making it available online.
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