Those people affected by the recent bouts of flooding to hit the UK are being warned to be patient and select their workmen carefully after new research showed that dodgy dealers are still in operation.

A survey of 1,000 homeowners by leading insurer Cornhill Direct found that 57 per cent of those people questioned had received quotes for work from different tradesmen which showed significant variance. Another third have seen rogue tradesmen turning up on their doorsteps offering their services.

Such ploys were considered likely to be in operation again as criminals look to capitalise on the flood problems, with 84 per cent of respondents stating that they expected some people to try and use the crisis to line their own pockets.

"People who have been affected by flooding should not be tempted by the 'I can fix it quick' claim. For flood damage, a quick fix is not possible," said Harry Rule, Cornhill Direct property claims manager

"Always make sure tradesmen are who they say they are. If in doubt local trading standards should be able to provide advice.

"Get an estimate before allowing work to start and let your insurance company know what the estimate is and who has given that estimate."

More than 15 per cent of UK homeowners have suffered property damage at some point as a result of harsh weather conditions.