UK awash with insurance problems

As residents in flood soaked parts of the UK continue to dry out their belongings new problems are on the horizon regarding insurance.

The Association of British Insurers offers affordable coverage to residents of flood-prone areas - based on a promise from the British government that it will step in with financial assistance in the case of extreme flooding.

But as of Monday, the government has refused to pay up on its promise - which means thousands of residents in flood-hit areas could have to dig themselves out of the mess.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) RESIDENT SAYING (NOTE 'BITE STARTS WITH OVERLAY OF RESIDENT CLEARING UP):

"...it's so wet, it's very diluted sewage, so this is quite pleasant compared to some of it."

Talks between the government and the insurers are set to continue - as are flood warnings for large parts of the rain-battered country.