Flood Re has launched a new online training module for loss adjusters and claims management professionals as part of efforts to increase the adoption of property flood resilience measures across the UK.

Unveiled at the British Damage Management Association's annual conference in Nottingham, the initiative forms part of Flood Re's tenth anniversary Re-Think campaign, which is encouraging stakeholders across the flood sector to rethink risk, resilience and the future of flood protection.

The new module is designed to help claims professionals better explain the benefits, funding and implementation of property flood resilience measures to policyholders.

Kelly Ostler-Coyle, director of corporate affairs at Flood Re, said: “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.

“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.”

Adrian Jolly, chair of the BDMA, added: “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 talking about delivering it in practice.

“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.”

The Flood Re Academy, which was launched in the spring last year, now consists of seven chapters, accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute. The Academy has almost 2,000 registered users and has issued over 800 accredited passes.

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