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Increased in named storm events in the UK: Storm damage and insurance claims

Discover how rising named storm events in the UK impact businesses, and learn about effective risk management and insurance strategies to stay protected.

16/04/2025 · 5 minute read

Comprehensive support for your business

As climate change continues to alter global weather patterns, the United Kingdom has seen a significant rise in the frequency and intensity of named storm events. The Met Office has taken proactive measures by naming storms to enhance public awareness and preparedness.

The 2024-25 storm season is expected to bring a series of impactful weather events. This article examines the implications of these named storms and how we can support you both before and after any loss occurs.

The rising frequency of named storm events in the UK

Historically, the UK has experienced storm events, but recent years have shown a marked increase in their frequency and severity (see the chart). The Met Office names storms to help communicate the potential risks associated with severe weather. This includes:

  • high winds;
  • heavy rainfall;
  • and flooding.

These events can lead to significant disruptions, including property damage and business interruptions. They can even result in loss of life. The rise in named storms is indicative of a changing climate, where intense weather patterns are becoming the norm. Such intensity can result in storm damage that affects both residential and commercial properties.

The implications of these storms extend beyond immediate damage caused. Businesses must consider the long-term effects on their operations, supply chains, and resilience. Understanding storm damage and insurance claims is essential to ensure that businesses are adequately protected. Maintenance issues can exacerbate the impact of storm damage. It is essential to ensure that properties are well-maintained and prepared for severe weather. If not, businesses may suffer damage that could have been mitigated.

As named storms increase, you should adopt proactive risk management strategies to reduce losses. This includes understanding your insurance policies, such as home insurance, and how they cover storm damage.

Support for enhanced preparedness against storm damage

At Marsh, we are committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of risk management. This is particularly important in the face of increasing natural catastrophes.

One of our key partnerships is with Previsico. They have developed a flood resilience toolkit capable of delivering live surface water flood forecasts at a property-level detail. This collaboration combines Marsh’s risk consultancy expertise with Previsico’s cutting-edge technology. It empowers clients to implement effective risk management strategies against flooding.

Flood resilience toolkit solutions and benefits

The flood resilience toolkit offers tailored solutions, including:

  1. Flood Forecasting: Property-specific forecasts received up to 48 hours ahead of a flood.
  2. IoT Sensors: Live monitoring of waterways for accurate water level measurements.
  3. Instacasting: Retrospective flood footprints providing insights into flood development over time.

The benefits of this toolkit include:

  1. Loss Reduction: Achieving up to 100% loss mitigation for moveable assets. For fixed assets, the mitigation can exceed 50%.
  2. Lessons Learned: Enabling businesses to learn from past flood events to enhance future resilience.
  3. Insights: 24/7 access to actionable information via a sensor and forecasting dashboard.
  4. Staff Safety: Early warnings facilitate the implementation of evacuation plans. This ensures safety and minimises operational disruption.
  5. Resource Prioritisation: Early alerts allow businesses to prioritise resources effectively.

Comprehensive support when you experience a loss

If a storm causes damage or disruption, we are ready to offer comprehensive support during the recovery process. Our dedicated Claims Surge Team is committed to:

  • assisting clients during crises;
  • monitoring the influx of claims;
  • and ensuring timely communication with insurers.

Within 24 hours of a claim initiation, we keep clients updated throughout the process. We put in place overtime measures if necessary to provide prompt support. This includes the potential need for alternative accommodation during recovery from bad weather conditions.

To enhance service delivery, we collaborate with our Admin Team to establish claim records in our system. This allows our expert Claims Advisers to focus on guiding clients through the immediate aftermath of an event. We use specific codes to track all arising claims. This ensures efficient and timely settlements of storm damage claims.

Major Loss Support for storm damage

Recovery from a flood is crucial for a company’s finances and operations. Marsh’s Forensic Accounting and Claims Services Practice offers proactive, on-the-ground support to manage the crisis following a flood. Our team can respond within 48 hours of a loss event. We provide claims leadership and resources to help mitigate losses and facilitate a timely recovery.

Large losses can be complex, requiring expertise in local regulations and procedures. Marsh claims project managers travel to loss sites worldwide. They assist clients in managing their claims processes with stakeholders, including contractors and loss adjusters. Our specialists can help establish the scope and values of property damage. They address issues such as code upgrades and identify damage scope issues that may not be evident to insurers. This includes understanding how fallen trees, storm force winds, and other factors can contribute to storm damage.

Our Forensic Accounting and Claims Services team offers global insight into local challenges. They follow consistent protocols for post-loss analysis and claims project management. Our senior practitioners average 20 years of experience in insurance loss accounting and claims advocacy. This expertise helps expedite settlements of insurance claims related to storm damage. It also includes a thorough understanding of the technical details of your coverage.

Contact us today

The rise in named storm events in the UK shows the urgent need for proactive risk management and preparedness. We’re dedicated to supporting clients before any loss occurs. This support includes comprehensive risk assessments, crisis management planning, and training programs.

In the event of a loss, our claims management services and forensic accounting expertise offer vital support. This ensures that clients can navigate the recovery process effectively. This includes knowing the specifics of your buildings insurance policy and how it covers storm damage.

Contact your Marsh representative today to understand how we can enhance your resilience. We aim to safeguard your operations against the challenges posed by an evolving climate.

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