Home insurance in flood risk areas

July 2025

Flooding can cause severe damage not only to your cherished home but also lead to significant financial strain and emotional distress. With climate change making such events increasingly common, it's more important than ever to understand your home insurance coverage, especially if you live in a flood risk area.  

Here’s everything you need to know. 

Yes, if your house is in a flood zone, we can offer you a quote but flood cover will be excluded from your policy.

If you’d like to get an online quote for home insurance, visit Allianz Home Insurance.

Understanding your flood risk is the first step in shielding your home and planning for the future. Visit floodinfo.ie, the OPW’s national flood information portal, which offers helpful information in relation to flood-prone areas.  The platform offers interactive flood maps, historical data, and predictive models that may help identify whether your property lies within a flood-prone area.

This is especially useful if you’re buying a new home, renewing your insurance, or planning renovations. If you're a first-time buyer, our guide to home insurance for new homeowners can help you understand what cover you need.  

If you’re unsure whether your home is in a flood risk area, just give us a call. Our team can check and verify your status in relation to a home insurance quote.

If you’re new to an area, talk to neighbours or local residents to find out any history of flooding in the surrounding area.  

Alternatively, stay informed by regularly checking Met Éireann’s flood alerts and weather warnings, which provide timely updates to help you act quickly in the event of rising water levels.

Long-term, proactive preparation is key if you live in a flood risk area.  

Strengthen your property by applying waterproof coatings to walls, sealing window and door frames, and treating wooden elements with oil-based waterproof stains, paint or varnish. During renovations, consider installing waterproof membranes in foundations, raising electrical sockets, and relocating key systems like heating or air conditioning above flood levels. Regularly inspect your property for cracks or gaps, and ensure nearby streams or rivers are free of blockages to allow proper water flow. 

Temporary flood defences such as sandbags, blocks of wood, and plastic sheeting can provide critical protection during emergencies. Keep a supply of essential materials like plywood, nails, tools, and unfilled sandbags on hand. Store sentimental and valuable items (documents, electronics, and photographs) upstairs or above known flood levels. 

For more tips, check out our tips on what to do during floods to minimise damage.

Securing home insurance in a flood risk area requires a clear understanding of what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how to assess the risk to your property. While flood cover may not always be available, comprehensive protection for other risks can still offer meaningful financial security. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to manage risk and secure the right cover for your needs.

This guidance is for general information purposes only. Allianz accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses that may arise from any reliance upon the information contained in this guidance.   

Information correct as at 21/07/2025. 

Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria and policy conditions apply.