Flood map fear for homes cover
Tariq Panja
THOUSANDS of homes around Manchester have been shown to be at risk from flooding in a new government map - and owners' insurance premiums could increase as a result.
Large swathes of the region from Radcliffe to Cheadle are included in the Environment Agency's map of low, moderate and significant flood risks.
Most of Lower Broughton in the Irwell Valley is shown to be at risk of flooding even though United Utilities has spent more than £10 million on flood defence schemes in the area.
Nationally, more than two million properties have been given risk ratings in the £30m online map. Many householders fear their insurance premiums could rise but the Association of British Insurers is trying to quell homeowners' worries.
Alan Leaman of the association said: "I don't think premiums will rise. If anything it will mean insurers will have a better understanding of the risks and premiums will be more accurate.
Lumped together
"The information is much more finely available.
"The old postcode business where every house was lumped together is fading away. For example if you have a house on a hill near in an area affected by flooding your location will be reflected in the premium."
But some insurers admit the map may lead to a rise in insurance costs.
Manchester-based Co-operative Insurance Society said: "What we tend to do is follow the recommendations of the ABI where they grade the risk of flooding.
"Any properties on the map could face a higher premium. But it would not be automatic. We do not want to see any of our customers without adequate insurance."
Nick Haughton, a partner in surveyors Haughton Warburton & Co, said it is almost certain that areas marked out as flood plains would deter investors.
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