At a meeting this week with the Association of British Insurers (ABI), ministers reportedly attempted to move claims forward in an attempt to help the estimated 31,000 householders and 7,000 businesses which have been affected by the floods.

Home and home contents insurance will cover much of the damage although UK insurers are facing a bill of around £1.5 billion after last month’s floods.

Malcolm Tarling, a spokesman for the ABI, described the meeting with ministers as “very constructive”.

He added that some 99 per cent of properties “have now been visited by an insurance representative or loss adjuster”.

However, many home insurance providers are now re-assessing how they should insure properties and homes following the heavy rainfall.

Flood in the UK, we believe, is right up there as a major world-class risk,” Clement Booth, chairman of Allianz UK, told the Financial Times newspaper.

Nevertheless, he admitted it was too early yet to see how the flooding would affect future home insurance premiums.

Find out more about home insurance

© Adfero Ltd