With the climate becoming increasingly erratic and unpredictable, the risk of devastating floods is always a reality. After the floods of last year, the help provided by insurance covering belongings and necessary repairs was invaluable for damaged households. Unfortunately, flood cover may become a thing of the past if the government does take a more responsible role towards flood protection and climate control.

Insurers are becoming increasingly annoyed by the perceived lack of action by the government to step up flood control in the region of approximately £8bn on sea defences over the next 25 years; to adequately maintain blocked drains and watercourses; and install flood defences. Although the insurers want to be able to offer cover at affordable premiums they believe that this can only be achieved if the UK's flood risk is properly managed. In light of and future floods, insurers will carefully scrutinise all applications for household insurance, with those at risk of flooding being charged a premium. Properties which have already been flooded could see big increases in their insurance costs.

Although the potential abandonment of the statement of principles is sure to worry homeowners, there has never been a better time for homeowners to think carefully about pre-empting the worst situation. As a result of flooding problems and the possibility of cover withdrawal, specialist flood insurers are entering into the home insurance market. These policies are likely to cost more and may require homeowners to invest in flood defences to prevent water from entering their homes.

Many homeowners do not realise that 90% of flood damage is caused by the fist inch of water that enters their property. Flood protection equipment is highly recommended to reduce the likelihood of water seeping through window and door frames and thus improving homeowner’s home insurance prospect in the eyes of the insurance industry. Homeowners should also check where their property lies on a flood map. Insurers tend to use the postcode to decide whether you live in an area at risk of flooding. Your postcode however may indicate that you are in a flood area when in fact you live on top of a hill or in a high rise building. If this is the case it is advisable to inform your insurer as its unlikely your property will encounter water damage. Home insurers do use different flood maps so while you may be considered to be in a risk area by one insurer, another insurer may consider you as acceptable.

If you live in an at-risk area with no flood defences, you might even consider moving while you can. If you wait until the worst happens, you will suffer the trauma of flooding but then may see your insurance go through the roof and experience difficulties moving. If you decide to stay put, study local flood warning news carefully, and act early on their advice. Also organise your home so that valuables can be easily moved upstairs at any hint of trouble.

The best advice is to shop around; you will be surprised to know that far fewer consumers shop around for their household insurance than for their motor cover. Thanks to the internet, there is no reason for not beginning your search right now.