Article in a snapshot:

• Common storm-related risks and how to prevent them
• Electrical safety reduces the risk of fires and damage
• Protecting valuable electrical items
• Reviewing insurance coverage and emergency planning

In recent years, the UK has seen a marked rise in the frequency and severity of storms. What were once isolated winter events are now regular features of the weather cycle, bringing high winds, heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the country. For homeowners, the risk of damage and disruption has been increasing. 

For brokers, storm season presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to help your clients reduce their exposure, protect their homes and avoid unnecessary claims. Small, proactive measures can make a significant difference to safety, resilience and the outcome of any insurance claim.

We’ve collated practical, evidence-based steps that you can pass on to clients, supporting preparation before, during and after a storm.

Common storm-related risks and how to prevent them

Each year, the same types of weather-related damage appear in claims data: broken roof tiles, water ingress, fallen trees and damaged outbuildings. Yet many of these losses can be avoided through simple, preventative actions. 

The most frequent storm-related risks include: 

To mitigate these, discuss small, practical steps with your clients before storm season begins. Securing or storing outdoor items such as garden furniture, trampolines and ornaments can prevent them from becoming projectiles. Regularly clearing guttering and drainage systems ensures water can flow freely during heavy rainfall. Checking window seals, doors and rooflines for weak points helps prevent leaks and draughts. 

Regular maintenance and small preventative actions can significantly reduce the risk of damage and disruption during storm season. Taking time to secure outdoor items, clear gutters, check seals and inspect roofing helps preserve the condition of a property and minimise potential damage. This type of insight reinforces the importance of discussing practical resilience measures with your clients. These steps can reduce the likelihood and severity of claims and inconvenience caused to your client’s daily life.

Electrical safety reduces the risk of fires and damage

Electrical systems are often overlooked in storm preparation, yet they represent one of the most significant and costly causes of domestic claims. Storms can cause short circuits, power surges and even fires when electricity interacts with moisture or damaged infrastructure. 

Remind your clients that preventative maintenance is key. Every ten years, or following major renovations, a qualified electrician should inspect household wiring to ensure it meets current safety standards. Overloaded sockets and daisy-chained extension leads are common sources of overheating and should be avoided, especially in the winter months when more devices are in use.

Surge protection is another essential safeguard for high-wattage or sensitive devices such as televisions, computers and smart home systems. During particularly severe weather, clients should consider unplugging non-essential items to avoid power surge damage.

After a storm, any exposed or damp wiring should be professionally inspected before power is restored. For any of your clients with home offices, workshops or high-value electrical setups, regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and annual maintenance checks can reduce the risk of failure and demonstrate due diligence in the event of a claim. 

Protecting valuable electrical items

For many of your private clients, electricals extend beyond what you might find in the average home. They can encompass things like high-end entertainment systems, smart home devices and specialist appliances such as wine coolers or sound systems. These items hold considerable value and are increasingly linked to wider home automation networks. 

Guide your clients in safeguarding these assets by encouraging regular maintenance and careful placement. Items installed in lower ground floors or near exterior walls should be protected from damp and temperature fluctuations. Where possible, smart monitoring tools can be used to detect water ingress or power fluctuations early, helping to prevent further damage.

Accurate documentation is vital. Keeping an up-to-date inventory of high-value electricals, including photos, receipts and serial numbers, makes both valuation and recovery easier in the event of a loss. For built-in appliances, scheduling professional servicing at manufacturer-recommended intervals helps maintain warranties. 

These steps not only reduce physical risk but also streamline the claims process, giving clients greater peace of mind with how they are protected.

Reviewing insurance coverage and emergency planning

Opening up conversations with your clients throughout the year provides a valuable opportunity for you to help them review their home and contents insurance policies. Too often, the sums insured fail to reflect the true value of possessions, particularly where recent purchases, refurbishments or gifts have not been declared. 

Encourage your clients to confirm that their policies cover all key areas, including valuables kept in safes, portable possessions and specialist installations.

Alongside this, practical emergency planning can make a real difference during severe weather. Discuss the preparation of a household emergency kit containing essentials such as torches, batteries, power banks and blankets. Your clients should know how to safely switch off gas, electricity and water supplies if damage occurs, and ensure they have easy access to their insurer’s contact details and emergency contractors.

These simple steps can significantly reduce risk and distress during a crisis. They also reinforce the importance of regular policy reviews, ensuring that when a claim is made, there are no unpleasant surprises or gaps in coverage. 

Supporting clients in preparation, not just protection

While storms are inevitable, their impact can often be managed, and sometimes prevented, through preparation. For brokers, helping your clients take proactive steps is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure and claims frequency while strengthening long-term trust. 

Our Private Client team continues to support you and your clients with expert insight on household risk prevention. Their experience managing complex storm claims has shown that proactive maintenance, accurate documentation and appropriate cover are the cornerstones of resilience.

For further guidance on seasonal household risk management, contact the Private Client team at Brit