Ageas and Build Back Better

In short, Build Back Better involves taking action that helps prevent flooding in the future. Resilience measures better prepare homes to better withstand future floods, which can reduce damage and repair costs; flood resilient homes can be made habitable much faster – sometimes in weeks rather than months – and a reduction in the frequency and severity of flood damage means long-term savings. That’s good news for the market overall. However, for customers particularly, it’s about peace of mind: better protection brings emotional reassurance and reduces anxiety for those in flood-prone areas. 

No, all fees and surveys are included within the applicable Build Back Better limit. We cover the cost upfront and are reimbursed by Flood Re (for ceded policies). 

Not usually. Many Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures can be installed during the repair phase. Some things, such as bespoke flood doors or gates, may take longer to manufacture, but the loss adjuster will discuss if any of the choices could affect the timeline. 

Your customer would need to pay any amount that exceeds the Build Back Better allowance. 

Yes. The loss adjuster or surveyor will work with the customer to advise on appropriate resilience measures for their home and the type of flooding it may experience in the future. 

They may not meet the qualifying criteria set for the Build Back Better scheme, their home may already have all appropriate PFR measures installed, or the property is not suitable for such measures 

We’re currently confirming this. Your loss adjuster can provide the latest updates regarding guarantees on installed measures. 

The loss adjuster or surveyor will often arrange the work and discuss with the customer who will be carrying it out. 

This may be possible. The loss adjuster will advise on whether it’s suitable in each case. 

No, settlement under the Build Back Better scheme will only be reached on the proviso that PFR measures are installed at the property.   

Customers are not eligible for Build Back Better if the total buildings claim value is under the Ageas Build Back Better threshold.  

We prioritise the scheme for customers facing the most severe flood damage to ensure the greatest impact. 

Flood Re is funded in three ways: a levy, a premium, and an excess — all paid by insurers. Each year, insurers offering home insurance in the UK pay a collective Levy that totals £135 million. This funds the scheme’s operations and covers valid claims. When Flood Re accepts a flood risk, the insurer pays a fixed premium based on the property’s council tax band — not its individual flood risk — helping keep premiums affordable. Policies also have a fixed excess of £250. 

No. Once a loss adjuster is appointed, they’ll speak directly with the policyholder if they are eligible for Build Back Better. 

If a customer has been told that they qualify, simply encourage them to take advantage of the scheme. It’s designed to futureproof their homes by including resilience measures as part of the flood repair process — helping to reduce damage from future events. 

Yes. The customer’s NCD may be impacted by the flood claim overall, regardless of whether Build Back Better is used. 

Not at the moment, but the long-term goal is to help reduce the impact of future claims. 

Think of it like this: If a standard replacement front door costs £2,000 and a flood-resistant door costs £5,000, then we’ll cover the £2,000 under the standard claim, and the remaining £3,000 through Build Back Better (within the applicable limit).