With the first named storms of the season on the way, the ABI is reminding customers that insurers stand ready to support them and share some simple steps homeowners and businesses can take to prepare for its arrival.

With strong winds expected across the UK the ABI is encouraging people to:

• Keep a close eye on weather warnings, and follow advice from the Met Office, the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.  
• Where possible, store items that can easily be blown away and cause damage, like trampolines and outdoor furniture, inside, or make sure they’re secure.  
• Have contact details of your insurer to hand, along with other emergency contact numbers for your utility providers and the local authority. 
• Take a look at your insurance policy to check for anything that may not be covered, such as damage to fences or garden furniture, which may not be included as standard in most policies.

Heavy rain is also expected in parts of Scotland and signing up to flood alerts can help keep you prepared. If you get a warning that there is a risk of flooding in your area, you should: 

• Assemble a flood kit containing your mobile phone and chargers, contact telephone numbers, any current medication, torch, battery, radio, insurance policy details, rubber gloves, wet wipes, hand cleaning gel, first aid kit and bottled water.
• Move valuable, sentimental or essential items upstairs or to a high place and, if it is safe to do so, consider moving your car to an area less likely to flood.    
• Keep your pets safe and away from any flood water. 
• Fit any property level resilience measures where possible such as flood gates or air brick covers.  

If your property suffers any storm damage, or any flooding, rest assured that this is what your insurance is there for. You should:

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most will have 24-hour emergency helplines to ensure you get advice on what to do and arrange repairs as quickly as is possible. They can also make emergency payments if necessary.   
• If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse, but speak to your insurer first.   
• If you have to arrange emergency repairs yourself, tell your insurer and keep any receipts, as this will form part of your claim.    
• Do not be in a rush to throw away damaged items, unless they are a danger to health, as these may be able to be repaired or restored. Your insurer will be able to advise.   
• If your home is uninhabitable while repairs are being carried out your insurer will arrange for, and pay the cost of, any alternative temporary accommodation you may need in line with your policy.    
• If your home is flooded, ask your insurer if you are eligible for Build Back Better which can help to make your home more resilient to future flooding.

Commercial polices will cover damage to premises and stock in line with your policy. Business interruption cover (which may be included or purchased separately) will cover additional trading costs, such as hiring temporary alternative trading premises if necessary. 

With Storm Austen and Storm Boelo expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of the UK, insurers stand ready to support affected customers. Taking a few simple steps now, such as stowing away outdoor items and fitting any flood gates or airbrick covers can help limit any damage to your property.

If your home, business or vehicle does suffer any damage, your insurer will be there to help. They understand how stressful the disruption can be and will take a pragmatic and flexible approach to help you recover and navigate the claims process. Get in touch with your provider as soon as you can for advice, support and guidance on the next steps.

Chis Bose

Director of General Insurance Policy, The ABI

Keeping your property well maintained is a key part of a home insurance policy and can help to limit the potential damage from a storm. So when it’s safe to do so, and before any storm hits, the ABI encourages people to:

• Clear gutters on their property 
• Secure any loose roof tiles 
• Fix any leaks 
• Repair cracks in doors and windows 
• Check nearby trees and safely remove any loose or overhanging branches - if the tree isn’t on your land, contact the owner. 

Read our full guidance on coping with storm damage and our guide to recovering from a flood and what to expect from your insurer.

About us

The ABI is the definitive voice of the UK’s world-leading insurance and long-term savings industry, which is the largest sector in Europe and the third largest in the world.

We represent more than 300 firms within our membership including most household names and specialist providers, providing peace of mind to customers across the UK.

Our sector is productive, inclusive and essential to the UK economy and together, we are driving change to protect and build a thriving society.

Find out more at abi.org.uk