Are there any high-risk home insurers?

Q I don't know if you can help, but I am desperately looking for buildings and contents insurance for my new home, which has previously flooded.

Someone told me to try Lloyds of London, but when I looked at its website it was clear it was for brokers only and not consumers. I tried insure.co.uk, which Lloyds suggested for consumers, but that has been unable to quote.

Do you know of any high-risk specialists?

GG

A Ever since last year's atrocious storms, a tragic number of homeowners have found that they either can't get flood cover at all or they have to pay expensive premiums with extremely high excesses for their insurance.

According to Peter Staddon of the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA): "Many insurers indicated that they would, wherever possible, renew policies which have suffered from flood damage, but they were not keen to take on new risks." In other words, you are likely to experience problems finding cover.

One option is to approach your mortgage provider, which may be more sympathetic as it has a direct stake in your property. Otherwise your best bet is to go through an insurance broker. Contact BIBA on 020 7623 9043 or email the organisation at enquiries@biba.org.uk.