The decision to move from a peaceful steel city to Rothbury, a beautiful rural oasis, had finally been sealed. A cash offer on our home meant we were one step closer to our dream, and within a couple of weeks, we were gazing out of our windows at the magnificent views of the Simonside hills and the sloping banks of the River Coquet.

Practicalities were forgotten; for a few days as we absorbed our new environment until, over a coffee in the village, I heard the mention of ‘flooding’ and the realisation of the implications of living so close the river hit me. Suddenly, the priority was to ensure our new home was protected against such natural disasters, and we endeavoured to gain home insurance.

That is where the nightmare began. Though the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have assured property owners in flood areas with existing insurance cover that their insurer is likely to continue providing cover, What is failing to happen is that those moving into flood affected areas are either being refused insurance altogether, or are being charged inordinate amounts in excesses. Three solid days were spent trying to obtain house flood insurance but to no avail.

Discussion with neighbours confirmed our situation was not unique. By the fourth day, after being informed we were living in the highest risk flood zone, we began to fear the worst: our property was uninsurable. We were devastated.

We shared our major concerns with anyone who would listen; word of mouth is a very strong tool. Out of the blue, we received an email from an insurance broker; Neil Cook, Head of Specialist Risks with Equity and General Insurance Services. I read with disbelief and a huge sense of relief: ‘Dear Dawn, I was asked by UK Flood Barriers to help you get cover. Kindly call me.’ Within days, not only were we given a very reasonable quote with full flood cover (at the sight of a letter confirming flood defences in place on our property), but the policy being offered to us had a nil excess on flood claims. Alleluia! Peace of mind really is priceless, and we cannot thank Mr Cook enough for coming through to us

Now we are relaxing and enjoying our tranquil new home, which is just how it should be! Mrs D Ashby

If like Mrs Ashby, you have a property in a flood risk area and are looking for a competitive quote for home insurance, click here.