Flood-hit homeowners face higher insurance bills after Storm Desmond

Experts say premiums are likely to increase further after latest flooding while insurers say it's too early to judge how much deluge will cost the industry

Homeowners in flood-stricken areas of Cumbria could see their already high insurance bills increase further following Storm Desmond.

Under an agreement between the government and insurers, homeowners are supposed to be able to buy policies that include cover for flood damage from their existing provider. However, there is no cap on costs, and previously residents in the area have reported being quoted prices of 2,000 a year and offered policies with excesses of 20,000, or being turned down entirely.