This weekend's heavy rainfall has caused havoc across the UK, with an estimated 1,000 homes flooded in the Northumberland town of Morpeth alone. Homeowners in other parts of the country are also mopping up, and forecasts of further downpours later in the week could cause even more problems.

In an independent review into last year's floods, the author, Sir Michael Pitt, warned against an "ever-increasing risk" of flooding. So what should you do if you and your home fall victim?

There's water everywhere - what should I do?

If your home is actually underwater it's too late to worry about saving existing items, but you can start thinking about what to do once the waters start to recede. Your first step should be to call your insurance company - most have 24-hour emergency helplines.

What if I can't find my policy document?

Don't panic - your insurer should be able to find you on its database. Look on its website or call a directory enquiries line to get its number. Remember that your building and contents cover may be with different companies so you may need to put in two calls. If you car is also under water you will have to call your motor insurance company as well. Bear in mind you will only be able to make a claim if you have fully comprehensive cover.

What should I do next?

If you are able to stay in your property but need help to prevent further damage, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) recommends you speak to your insurer before arranging emergency repairs, and that you keep any receipts for work done so you can claim for the cost. Where possible, take photographs to record the damage as this could help with your insurance claim.

Also remember that water and electricity don't mix, so make sure the electrics are checked out before you flick any switches - you should be able to claim for this on your buildings policy. Don't throw damaged things away, even if you will need to replace them. For example, you may be able to claim for new kitchen units if your current ones have soaked up water and are beyond repair, but you should try to dry them out and keep them until a loss adjuster has seen them.

A loss adjuster will be sent round by your insurer to assess what damage has been done and to work out how much your pay out should be.

What if I have had to leave my property?

In the first instance, you may be moved to emergency shelter by the rescue services, but after that you may need to move somewhere else while work is done to make your house habitable again. Building and contents insurance will usually include provision for alternative accommodation if the damage is so great that you are unable to stay at home. If you have both types of policy, your building insurer will be expected to take care of your claim for somewhere to stay.

Most insurers will ask you to approve with them the accommodation you are moving to before your stay begins. Sadly, they are unlikely to stretch to the Ritz - alternative accommodation is supposed to be in keeping with your normal lifestyle, so for most people that will mean a standard hotel or B&B, at least in the short term.

Your policy is likely to have a limit on how much will be paid out for alternative accommodation - according to the ABI, this is typically around 20% of the sum insured. If you spend more than that, you will be liable for the cost.

What if I can't move back for a long time?

The 20% limit stands, even if long-term shelter is needed, but if you don't want to stay in a hotel or B&B you should be able to arrange some accommodation that feels a bit more like home.

After last year's floods in Hull, many homeowners decided they would like to stay in mobile homes on their drives so they could still use the top floors of their homes and have easy access to anything they might need. This is an option, as is staying in a flat. "It is up to the individual policyholder what they want to do, and the insurance company will pay for it," says a spokeswoman for the ABI. "It will either send you a cheque or pay for it directly."

And what if I get burgled while my home is empty?

Sadly, empty homes and cars seem to be a temptation for looters, so if you are forced to leave your property you should do your best to secure it. Unfortunately, if you leave in a hurry and don't lock your doors or windows then you will be unable to claim for any items that are stolen.

"There has to be a break in for a claim to be successful - it's exactly the same as if there isn't a flood," says the ABI. If your home has been broken into, your insurer will pay for the missing items as well as those damaged by the floodwater.

When will I receive a pay out?

It could take months for insurers to process claims and arrange payouts, but you may be offered an interim payment to help you buy essentials. After last summer's floods in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, many insurers made immediate payments of £500 to help policyholders with short-term expenses.

Will I be able to get cover again?

Insurers have said they will carry on offering flood cover to as many homeowners as possible, and many have said they will allow customers to renew existing cover. The problem may come if you try to shop around, as no insurer is obliged to take your business. You may be offered a policy that would pay out in other circumstances, but not if you end up under water again, which will be little comfort when you know how disruptive a flood can be, and you live in an area at risk.

If you stay with your existing insurer you could find that when you come to renew your policy your premiums have risen, and other terms such as the level of excess have changed. If this is the case you should shop around for a new policy, but you may find you have little choice but to pay up.