Flood Re has launched a new e-learning module for loss-adjusting and claims management professionals, expanding its online Academy as the flood insurance scheme seeks to accelerate property flood resilience (PFR) measures ahead of its planned 2039 exit from the market.
The module was unveiled at the British Damage Management Association’s (BDMA) annual conference in Nottingham. It is the latest addition to the Flood Re Academy, which now comprises seven chapters accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute. The Academy has nearly 2,000 registered users and has issued more than 800 accredited passes since its launch in spring 2025, according to Flood Re.
The new training chapter is designed to help claims professionals guide policyholders through the role, benefits, and funding of PFR measures. It aims to build the confidence and technical skills needed to implement those measures effectively.
Kelly Ostler-Coyle (pictured), director of corporate affairs at Flood Re, said the claims sector needs to move beyond awareness and focus on implementation.
“The claims sector is on the front line when it comes to driving forward property flood resilience. And with flood risk increasing, the need to ensure there is an army of skilled and informed PFR practitioners at the ready has never been more urgent,” Ostler-Coyle said.
The initiative forms part of Flood Re’s broader “Re-Think” campaign, which marks the scheme’s 10th anniversary. It also reflects recognition that adoption of PFR through Flood Re’s Build Back Better initiative has not reached the levels originally anticipated. Flood Re’s transition data suggests Build Back Better measures have been taken up in around one-third of eligible cases.
Flood Re research indicates that 3.1 million homes are exposed to flood depths of up to 60 cm, a range in which PFR measures have been shown to be effective. The organization estimates that wider adoption of PFR could reduce annual flood losses by up to £740 million.
“PFR installed appropriately and correctly can make a huge difference in the event of flooding, from limiting damage to enabling householders to return to their home in days, if not hours. However, despite Flood Re’s Build Back Better initiative providing funding for resilience and resistance measures following a flood claim, take-up isn’t at the level needed. Education of the insurance market is part of the solution, but the real need is for those instigating repairs and restoring properties to fully embrace it,” Ostler-Coyle said.
Ostler-Coyle also called on claims professionals to reconsider their skill sets in light of what she described as an emerging PFR market.
“We believe there is a huge opportunity for the claims sector to re-think their skill sets, re-skill and take advantage of the emerging PFR market. So, let’s all re-think how resilience can be achieved, as the decisions and investment in new skills made now will shape the UK’s flood resilience of the future,” she said.
Adrian Jolly, chair of the BDMA, welcomed the launch and said the association was encouraging its members to become familiar with Build Back Better.
“We are delighted that Flood Re has chosen our conference to launch this important initiative. The BDMA is fully supportive of Flood Re’s aims and is encouraging members, and those across the wider claims sector, to ensure they are up to speed on Build Back Better, the benefits of PFR, and are confident in discussing its delivery in practice,” Jolly said.
“Our sector should be at the forefront of the fledgling PFR market, which will, as flooding continues to rise, become more mainstream and in demand,” he added.
Flood Re’s Build Back Better initiative, launched in April 2022, allows homeowners through participating insurers to claim reimbursement of up to £10,000 for flood resilience measures in addition to the cost of repairing flood damage.
The average cost of home insurance flood claims in 2024 and 2025 ranged from approximately £60,000 to £90,000, depending on the event, with alternative accommodation costs accounting for a significant share of losses.
Flood Re, which launched on April 4, 2016, is regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority. Its policy count stood at 346,200 as of March 31, 2025, up from 288,567 a year earlier. The scheme is scheduled to exit the market in 2039, when UK home insurance is expected to return to risk-based pricing.
