Many holiday homes are sited near rivers and often within flood plains, so it is worth checking with insurers whether the home can be insured before purchasing. And even if the site has flooded, insurance may still be available because these homes are usually sited 3 or 4 feet above the ground. Some insurers will insist that the home is fitted with a flotation unit which allows it to rise and fall with the water level; these have proved to be very effective and are now quite common on many parks. Insurers may still apply a flood excess, however, and may also exclude flood damage to outbuildings and property stored under the home.