Flood Performance Certificates: What UK homeowners need to know
From next year, getting affordable home insurance could depend on whether your property has a Flood Performance Certificate – and what it rates you.
Flood Re, the government-backed scheme that helps people in high-risk flood areas access affordable insurance, has announced plans to introduce Flood Performance Certificates (FPCs). The scheme is being developed with insurers and lenders, and here’s what you need to know.
How will it work?
Think of an FPC as similar to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – the rating all homes need when being sold or let. An FPC will assess how well your property can withstand and recover from flooding. Homes that invest in flood resilience measures – like flood doors, airbricks, or better drainage – could qualify for lower insurance premiums.
Who will benefit?
If you get an FPC or complete an equivalent self-assessment, Flood Re says you could qualify for discounts on your home insurance. The idea is straightforward: reward homeowners who take practical steps to protect their homes from flooding.
Good news for renters and lower-income households
From April 2027, Flood Re is cutting the premium it charges insurers for contents-only policies in council tax bands A and B from £52 to £25. This should help renters and lower-income households, as insurers are expected to pass these savings on to customers.
Why the change?
Flood Re chief executive Perry Thomas explained to the Financial Times that the scheme is increasingly subsidising higher-value properties as claim costs have surged. With homes in the highest council tax bands now hitting premium thresholds while claims rise faster than inflation, the organisation needs to adjust how it works.
What you should do now
If you’re in a flood-risk area and paying high premiums, keep an eye out for more information about FPCs. Check your council tax band – if you’re in bands A or B, mark April 2027 in your calendar for potential savings. In the meantime, ask your insurer about any existing flood resilience discounts you might already qualify for.
For more details, visit the Flood Re website or speak to your insurance provider about upcoming changes.