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flooding

Flooding

Heavy rains can sometimes lead to flood. To prepare you to these kinds of events, here are tips to protect your home and your car from flooding.

Tips for your home

Before heavy rains

  • Clear the gutters, down-pipes and drains
  • Check the attic for leaks
  • Check that windows and doors are watertight
  • If necessary, use barriers e.g. sandbags to block water from entering
  • Have containers ready in case of a leaking roof
  • Be ready to turn off electricity/ utilities if water enters your home - this can be dangerous in wet conditions so use a suitable length of wood at the fuse board to provide insulation when switching off electricity
  • If your home is at risk of flooding move your valuables and pets upstairs before water enters your property
  • Ensure you have a safe place to move to if required

After flooding

  • Floodwater can become contaminated with sewage, so try to avoid direct contact 
  • After flooding, check if the water supply is safe to drink before using it 
  • Have protective clothing and rubber boots at the ready
  • Don't go into a room if electrical cables are under water, or if you hear unusual noises
  • If you have an emergency you should contact the Emergency Home Assistance. This service is available 24/7 365 days a year. Find more information here. 

Tips for your car

With extreme weather events becoming increasingly common, driving in heavy rain is something you’re likely to encounter more frequently. It can significantly affect how you drive and can increase the risk of an accident or damage occurring to your car. So here are some tips for staying safe while driving in heavy rain:

  • Check the weather forecast: Avoid driving if heavy rain or flooding is expected. Is your journey really necessary? If not, then it is always best to stay at home. 
  • Know your route: Stick to main roads and avoid areas prone to flooding.
  • Know what happens in the area where your vehicle is usually parked when there are heavy rains or rising water. If the area is prone to flooding, it is suggested to park it elsewhere if possible.

  • Ensure your wipers are up to the task
  • Regularly check the thread depth of your tyres. Having the correct thread depth will allow for better grip on the roads during weather as the tyres are able to function properly.
  • Turn on your lights  so you are easily visible to other road users

  • Reduce your speed:  Wet roads increase stopping distances significantly.
  • Avoid harsh breaking or accelerating:  Sudden movements can cause skidding.
  • Keep a safe distance: Double the usual gap between you and the car in front.
  • Take special care when driving behind large vehicles and trucks as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility
  • If you are inside a vehicle and water is rising rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately and remove all articles of value. If it is likely that water has been ingested into the engine, do not attempt to start the vehicle. Report the incident to your insurance company. If you have to leave your vehicle, be wary of strong currents and debris.
  • Do not create a bow wave which could cut the engine

Why you should avoid driving through floods

Loss of control
Floodwater can hide debris, potholes or uneven surfaces that can damage tyres or suspension. Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with 100km/h and 120 km/h speed limit. 
Being swept away
Just 30cm of moving water is enough to float most vehicles, leading to a serious risk of being swept off the road.
Risk of stalling
If water enters your exhaust or air intake, it can cause your engine to stall, leaving you stranded.
Water damage to your vehicle
Floodwater can damage your engine, electronics and interior. If flood water gets into the car’s air intakes and reaches the cylinders, it cannot compress. This causes the engine to seize, bending or breaking internal components like pistons, rods, and crankshafts. This type of damage can render the engine irreparable. Floodwater entering the fuel system can dilute or contaminate fuel, causing engine misfires or failures. Water in the oil system can reduce lubrication, leading to increased wear and tear or even engine failure. 
Damage to EVs
Modern EV batteries are sealed and designed to withstand exposure to water, however prolonged submersion or exposure to high-pressure water can breach seals, allowing water into the battery pack. Water intrusion can short the battery cells, causing permanent damage, or in rare cases a risk of fire.

If you have an emergency

emergency home assistance

24/7 Emergency Home Assistance

If you have an emergency, Allianz are here 24/7 365 days a year to help and prevent any further damage to your home. Allianz are offering this market leading service to all Allianz direct home insurance customers as a standard benefit on their policy.  

emergency home assistance

Breakdown Assistance

For customers who have selected breakdown assistance, this service provides you with driveway and on-site roadside support in the event of a emergency. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information visit our Breakdown Assistance page.

Need to make a claim?

You can log a claim through MyAllianz (Allianz Direct Customers only) or you can also call us on 01 613 3990 and one of our experienced claims advisors will be on hand from 9am-5pm Mon-Fri