A simple check could spare homeowners a financial nightmare after weeks of storms and flooding left large parts of Britain battered by extreme weather.

Experts are warning that thousands of families may be paying for home insurance that will not protect them when disaster strikes – because they are unaware their property sits in a flood risk zone.

Research from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs shows that two-thirds of households living in designated flood risk areas do not realise they fall into this category, raising fears many policies could be invalid when claims are made.

Holly Andrews, Managing Director at KIS Finance, said the consequences of failing to understand – and disclose – flood risk could be devastating.

She said: “Far too many homeowners don’t realise the importance of understanding their property’s flood risk, and unfortunately, this is having devastating consequences.

“If your home falls within a designated flood risk zone, this can have a direct impact on your insurance cover.

“Failing to disclose this crucial detail when arranging or renewing your policy could leave you dangerously exposed, as insurers may refuse to pay out on claims or even void the policy altogether.

“Essentially, you could lose the financial safety net you thought you had in place right at the moment you need it most. And flooding doesn’t just damage your property, it can derail your wider finances.”

Ms Andrews warned that rejected insurance claims often leave families with no option but to borrow or raid long-term savings to pay for repairs.

She added: “Homeowners often end up taking on debt or dipping into long-term savings to cover repairs when insurance doesn’t pay out, and this can have a knock-on effect on their financial stability for years.”

However, she said a quick January check could make all the difference.

“Thankfully, checking your property’s risk status is simple and free. The Environment Agency provides detailed online flood maps that allow homeowners to search by postcode and see if they fall into an at-risk category,” she said.

“This quick check gives you the information you need to make sure your insurance policy is accurate, valid, and offers the protection you expect.”

Information on whether a property is in a flood risk area can be found here.

Homeowners who discover they are in a flood risk area should inform their insurer immediately, even if it means paying slightly more.

Ms Andrews said: “If you do find that your home is in a flood risk area, it’s essential to inform your insurer straight away and ensure that your cover reflects this reality.

“Being transparent about your risk may increase your premium slightly, but it’s far better than facing the long-term financial consequences of voided cover.”

She also warned that the damage can follow homeowners for years.

“What many don’t realise is that rejected claims can affect your ability to secure insurance in the future, potentially limiting your options for years to come.

“Being proactive could save you from enormous financial loss and emotional stress in the future. It’s always better to know your risk and be fully protected than to discover too late that your cover won’t pay out.”