Insurers were bracing themselves today for a rush of claims from people hit by the flooding.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said it was too early to say how much the floods would cost the industry.

The 2007 floods across large parts of Yorkshire, the Midlands and the West Country cost insurers just over £3 billion, but they were on a much wider scale than the latest incident, which is mainly confined to Cumbria.

The ABI said the average cost of flood damage to domestic properties was between £20,000 and £40,000.

But those who have been affected could face a long wait before they can return to their homes.

While in cases of minor flooding people are back in their homes within a matter of weeks, in more severe incidents it can take up to 12 months for a property to dry out completely.

The ABI said there was also a risk of secondary damage, where flooding impacts on a property’s foundations, which does not always show up immediately.

Nick Starling, the ABI’s director of general insurance and health, said: “Events like flooding highlight why insurance is so important.

”The first priority for insurers will be to ensure that every claim is dealt with as quickly as possible and they will do everything they can to help customers recover.”

The group is advising people and businesses whose properties have been affected by the flood to contact their insurers as soon as possible.

It said most companies had 24-hour emergency helplines that could be used to arrange for damage to be inspected and repairs to be carried out.

It added that people may need to arrange for temporary repairs to stop any damage getting worse, in which case they should keep receipts for their insurance claims.

The ABI said most insurance policies would cover the cost of alternative accommodation if people need to move out of their homes while they are repaired.

Householders are advised not to use electricity and water supplies until they are given the all-clear.

Once the flood water has receded, they should disinfect floors and furnishings, and leave doors, windows and cupboards open where possible, and keep rooms heated.