Insurance - East Dulwich updated as flood risk area

[jenniferd]

Hi there

We just got our buildings insurance quote and it is increased 25% - the feedback from the broker being that the post code has been updated for flood risk. We are in Adys Road (SE15) and it seems to me something really extreme would have to happen for us to flood here. I've only lived in the area for about 10 years but I'm not aware there has ever been any flood issues here.

Has anyone experienced the same and or does anyone know if this area has ever flooded or where I can get this information from?

thank you and again

[RichH]

There was a recent similar thread here that might help:

https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?20,2177427,2178068

I'd imagine that Insurance companies are among the first to take note when what was once considered extremely unlikely is flagged as perhaps being less unlikely.

[George Orwell]

Here's a place to start:

https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/long-term-flood-risk/postcode

[legalalien]

I know very little about this, but the Council are about to embark on a flood alleviation scheme for Peckham common - details here - https://www.southwark.gov.uk/environment/flood-risk-management/notice-of-proposed-flood-alleviation-works-on-peckham-rye-common. If you click on the link to the project information board you?ll see they?ve done a hydrological survey, and there?s some modelling of once in a lifetime storm events. Maybe this being published is affecting premiums? But then if the scheme is effected there should be a consequent reduction of risk?

[gabys1st]

Had this problem with insurance.. check out different companies as they ask differeent questions - e.g. do you live with 100 metres of a awter way 0 stream, river, lake and so on, has there been a flood in last 60 years\\\/

[Pugwash]

last time I heard of a flood was many years ago when the semi basements in some houses (Hindmans Rd area) were flooded by excess rain water

[Sally Eva]

Also look at their exclusions. If this is marked as a flood risk area you may be offered a high excess. Dulwich had flood prevention measures on the park about 10 years ago and these plans for PR have been coming for about 5 years. Climate change is affecting flooding frequency. Many of the watercourses around here are just under the surface.

[jenniferd]

Hi there and thanks all for your replies on this .... After further pressure they have now pushed back and said that actually its not flood risk but that the area and postcode are flagging up as high risk for subsidence.

We got several quotes from other insurers' and the message is the same that there is an issue flagging up on the postcode. Just now I've pushed back the story has changed as to why. Its not a lot of money but for me there has to be a decent reason if you want to increase premiums by 25%

They now say that there are a lot claims flagging up in the area on subsidence and that by association we are at risk too and hence the increase.

[DuncanW]

Not a direct comment on the premium increase, but this is a high risk area for subsidence.

Pretty much all of south London is as the underlying substrate is clay which has a high water content and so can expand and contract with changes in the weather, proximity of trees, nearby water courses etc.