The high winds and heavy rain currently hitting much of the UK looks set to occur more frequently and cause more expensive damage in the future unless action is taken now, the ABI (Association of British Insurers) warned today.

While claims for damage following bad weather this winter have so far been what insurers expect, climate change looks set to increase the risk. Over half a million homes are now at high flood risk – up over 100% in the last five years. And rising sea levels could lead to many more properties being hit by coastal flooding.

Jane Milne, the ABI’s Head of Property Insurance, said:

“Insurers are geared up to dealing with storm damage claims as quickly and efficiently as possible. Over the last three years they have paid out on average £600 million a year to policyholders hit by storms.

“But action is needed now to protect customers from our increasingly erratic weather. Today’s storms back up our call for more investment in our flood defences. We need to look at more innovative building design, so that homes and businesses are more resistant to floods and high winds. Action taken now will help to keep property insurance widely available and affordable.”

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Notes for Editors

1.            Enquiries to:       

         Malcolm Tarling    020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)

         Jonathan French   020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07958 330 480)

         Lucy Butler        020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)

         Kelly Ostler        020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)

2.      The ABI’s advice to people who have suffered storm damage is:

-         Arrange for any emergency temporary repairs to stop damage getting worse. Keep receipts as these will form part of your insurance claim

-         Contact your household insurer to get your claim moving. Most insurers offer 24-hour emergency helplines.

-         Make sure your property is safe and secure. Where flooding has occurred to not use electricity or water supplies until all –clear is given.

-         Do not be in a rush to redecorate, as it can take weeks for a flood-damaged property to fully dry out.

3.            The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its nearly 400 member companies provide over 94% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold up to a sixth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.

4.            An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.        

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