Anything that can be done to prevent flooding - so that people do not have to make a home insurance claim - should be looked at, it has been argued.

The British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba) insisted it makes sense to improve a property's defences before the situation arises.

Technical and corporate affairs executive Graeme Trudgill said: "It is a terrible thing if you are flooded."

He added: "You are out of your home for many months while the work is done, you are really inconvenienced [and] you lose treasured possessions."

Mr Trudgill stated people living in flood-prone areas should be given as much help as possible.

This comes after Biba called on the government to work with the insurance industry to protect homes and businesses across the UK that are under threat.

It claimed those living and working in high-risk areas should receive free flood surveys and the authorities should ensure resilient repair work is carried out of properties in those regions.

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