Another 20 insurers have joined the UK’s government-backed Flood Re scheme, bringing the total to 36 since its launch on April 4.

Participant companies account for 85% of the overall insurance market.

Flood Re CEO Brendan McCafferty expects the number to rise pending discussions with other insurers.

“I am pleased that the number of insurance providers available to consumers has more than doubled since Flood Re was launched in early April,” he said.

Prudential, Lloyd’s Bank, Aviva, Santander Home Insurance and Royal Bank of Scotland are among the participants.

Flood Re is expected to help about 350,000 households vulnerable to flooding. The collaboration between the insurance industry and the Government aims to provide affordable cover for homes deemed high-risk.

It has secured £2.1 billion ($4.1 billion) in cover, including from Munich Re and Swiss Re, making it one of the world’s five largest natural peril reinsurance deals.

Meanwhile, the Association of British Insurers says about 90% of property claims from the UK’s December storms have been fully or partly settled.

“These latest numbers show insurers continue to make good progress with the important work of getting everyone’s lives back to normal,” General Insurance Policy Manager Mark Shepherd said.

“Insurers are committed to getting all customers back in their properties as safely and as quickly as possible, and there is the same sense of urgency now as in the immediate aftermath.”

The final repair bill for storms Desmond, Eva and Frank is expected to reach £1.3 billion ($2.5 billion).