Ahead of Storm Floris, the ABI has issued advice to customers on how to prepare and steps they can take to protect their property.
With Storm Floris on its way, we advise 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 left in gardens securely that can easily be blown away and cause damage, like ladders, inside, or ensure they are secure.
- Have contact details of your home insurer to hand, along with other emergency contact numbers for your utility providers and the local authority.
- It’s also important to keep your property well maintained. If safe to do so before a storm hits, clearing gutters, securing roof tiles, fixing any leaks, repairing cracks in doors and windows, can help limit physical damage.
- Remember to check nearby trees and safely remove any loose or overhanging branches - if the tree isn’t on your land, contact the owner.
- Reviewing your insurance policy regularly and speaking to your provider if you’re unsure is important to make sure you understand what you're covered for, including any exclusions. For example, fences damaged by flooding or storms are not included as standard in most policies.
If flooding is expected in your area:
- Sign up for flood alerts.
- 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.
- Ensure your pets are cared for and are safe from flooding.
- 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.
- Fit any property level resilience measures where possible such as flood gates or air brick covers.
If you suffer any damage:
- 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.
- 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 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.
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.
Louise Clark, Manager of General Insurance Policy at the ABI, said:
“As the latest storm of 2025 approaches, we understand that many households and businesses will be concerned about the potential for disruption and damage. Bad weather can strike at any time, and firms are ready to help affected customers recover as smoothly as possible.
“Ahead of Storm Floris, we’d encourage customers to take a few straightforward precautions to help minimise potential damage. This includes securing or storing garden furniture and other loose outdoor items such as trampolines that could be blown away. Should your property or vehicle be affected, contact your insurer as soon as possible for guidance and support.”
Read our full guidance on coping with storm damage here, and our guide to recovering from a flood and what to expect from your insurer can be found here.