Storms and your home insurance

In 2024, the UK experienced 12 named storms¹. This was the highest number of named storms since the naming system began in 2015/2016². This increase was also evident in our claims data. From September 2022 to September 2023, 9% of the claim notifications we received were weather-related. This figure rose to nearly 25% between September 2023 and September 2024. Additionally, not only did we see more claims, but the average claim value increased from just over £11,500 to nearly £25,000³.

But what does this mean for your home insurance and what can you do to minimise the risk of weather-related damage to your property?

How storms are impacting the home insurance market

In 2023 UK home insurers recorded a loss-making Net Combined Ratio (NCR) of 118%, meaning they paid out £1.18 in claims and expenses for every £1 received in premiums⁴. Although inflation and supply chain pressure played a part in this, weather related events were, and continue to be, a contributing factor. You can read more about this in our article: The home insurance market.

For consumers this means premiums continuing to rise and underwriters being more strict with their renewal terms.  In addition to this we’re finding an increasing number of clients being refused a quote for insurance due to a less than perfect claims history. For advice on this you can read our article: Is your claims history affecting your home insurance?

Minimising the impact of a storm on your property

The chance of damage to your property is high during a storm, but there are measures you can take to lower the risk of serious loss.

High winds

Falling debris can cause many issues, so take steps to minimise the chance of this. Check for loose roof tiles and check that aerials are secure. Where you can, clear dead branches to avoid them falling and causing damage.

Gutters and drains can get blocked very quickly by falling fruit, leaves and twigs. To avoid having to make a claim for water ingress, it’s important to always keep these areas clear of debris.

Secure or put away any loose items in your garden, and make sure gates and fences are in good condition.

A fallen tree can cause extensive damage and if a tree is on your property and you’ve neglected your duty of care you could be held libel for any damage caused. For more information on this read our article: Trees and your home insurance

Wet Weather

While you can never completely eliminate the risk of flooding, you can take steps to reduce the risk of water getting into your property and minimise the damage if it does make it over the threshold. These methods are known as ‘flood resistance’ and ‘flood resilience’. Making sure you implement them can help you both manage the risk of your property being damaged and help to lower your insurance premium. You can read more about these in our article: Living in a flood-risk area – what you need to know

If you’re unfortunate enough to have been flooded, then here are some tips to help you stay safe and start the clean-up process:  What to do after your property has flooded. Remember to notify your insurance company as soon as possible and take photos of all items you are disposing of -to assist with the claims process.

Snow and ice

In the event of heavy snow, use a roof rake to clear snow from the roof and prevent ice dams from forming.

Freezing temperatures can cause significant and costly damage to a property’s pipes. 25% of the claims we see are due to escape of water and there’s a spike in escape of water claims during the winter months⁵.  To pre-empt this:

• Check the insulation of your interior water pipes and water tank. Outside pipes and any pipes or water tanks in your loft will also benefit from insulation.
• Repair dripping taps – if you don’t, water could freeze in the waste pipe, causing a leak. If you find any sign of a leak anywhere on your property, act quickly to save a bigger issue building over time.
• Maintain the water temperature by keeping the heating on low. This should be between 10-12 degrees as a minimum. Your insurance policy may require a minimum temperature. Each insurers’ temperature range and critera may vary so it’s important to check your policy wording, particularly if your property is likely to be unattended at any point over the winter months.

For more information on how you can minimise the risk of escape of water, read our article: Escape of water and the winter months.

If you have a burst pipe, a water leak detector can reduce the effects of water damage. These work in two ways, with the more advanced devices automatically shutting off the incoming water mains supply. For more information read our article: A guide to water leak detection systems

After a storm

Inspect your home for any damage and take photographs of damage before starting repairs. This will help in the event of a claim. Contact your broker or insurance broker and submit any documentation.

The Howden Private Client team has a dedicated claims service who will reduce the burden of making a weather-related claim and take control over the claims management process, leaving you to be as involved and you want or need to. We also provide advice and recommendations on how to reduce the likelihood of future claims. It’s just one of the many benefits of using a broker. Discover even more advantages by reading: Why you need a broker for your home insurance.

To talk to us about your home insurance, call 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk

Sources:

1: UK storm season 2023/24 - Met Office

2: 2024 UK's fourth warmest year on record - BBC Weather

3: Based on data from Howden UK Brokers Limited – Private Client Division. Date correct as of 02/10/2024

4: UK home insurers report second consecutive loss-making year in 2023 | EY - UK

5: Based on data from Howden UK Brokers Limited – Private Client Division. Date correct as of 02/10/2024