With a sudden upsurge in the number of people looking to take out home insurance in the wake of recent flooding, homeowners are being urged to check the quality of their cover, not just the price.

Financial research company Defaqto states that those looking for cover against flooding should make sure that they check the insurance level for alternative accommodation - as this is the most important buildings insurance feature.

For those who want to place greater emphasis on contents insurance, contents in the open and theft from outbuilding are all important covers, the report suggests.

"I cannot stress strongly enough that price is only one of the factors to be taken into account when buying insurance products," Brian Brown, head of insight at Defaqto, commented.

"If the floods have taught us anything it is that the quality of the cover is going to be paramount in these emergency situations."

The total cost of damage to UK homes stands at around the £1 billion mark following recent flooding, a recent report from the Association of British Insurers claims.