Ecclesiastical urges property owners to take precautions ahead of storm season

It comes as the Met Office publishes its annual list of storm names for the upcoming storm season serving as a reminder to those responsible for property to prepare for extreme weather.

Over the last year the UK experienced a record-breaking 12 named storms in total – surpassing the previous high of 11 in 2015. With high winds and heavy rainfall bringing widespread disruption and damage to properties across the country, the ABI reported the value of weather-related damage claims as reaching £573million – the highest on record and 36% greater than 2022 levels.

Jo Whyman, Risk Management Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Since the Met Office started naming storms in 2015 it’s always caught the public attention. Storms can have a massive impact on our customers, so this announcement is a timely reminder for them to take steps to prepare for the winter.

“As ever, our expert risk teams are on hand to deal with customers' risk management queries. Our website also has a wide range of advice on how to prepare for a storm.”

Property owners can help to prevent damage by carrying out basic steps before the storms arrive:

• Before a storm - Prepare a recovery plan that covers how to deal with severe weather events, carry out maintenance of buildings and any trees or bushes, remove loose roof materials, repair damaged guttering, and clear any blocked rainwater gullies
• Storm warning – If the Met Office declares a storm warning make sure to secure loose objects in the grounds, close and securely fasten doors and windows
• During the storm - Do not visit the property to repair any damage while the storm is in progress. If you have to go into the premises or are in the building during a storm, make sure to enter and leave the building through doors on the sheltered side, closing them behind
• After the storm - When the storm has passed if there is damage immediately contact your insurer who will be able to help you.

Ecclesiastical has a network of specialist contractors it works with to help customers recover following extreme weather. The specialist insurer helps to coordinate clean-up operations for affected customers and works with loss adjustors who will provide onsite help to get customers and businesses back on their feet.

Jeremy Trott, Claims Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Unpredictable and extreme weather is becoming more prevalent in the UK, from heatwaves to flooding, so it’s important that we are ready to support customers.

“Last year saw an unprecedented number of named storms even as recently as August. Our message to customers is that our claims handlers will be able to support them if they are affected by storms this winter - whether that’s as a result of wind, rain, burst pipes or snow. We are here if customers need us.”