Insurance payouts for storms, floods and bad weather hit record high: How to protect YOUR home

Insurance claims and payouts for weather-related damage to properties and possessions rose sharply to hit a record high this winter, new data shows.

Claims for damage caused by the weather topped £200million for the first time ever in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Association of British Insurers.

The ABI wants the government to spend £1billion a year on flood defences and ensure new homes are built in 'flood-free' areas and are 'climate-resilient.'

The record claims levels followed seven consecutive quarters where claims for weather-related damage were over £100million.

Payouts between January and April surpassed the previous quarterly record, set in 2022, by £67million, the ABI added.

The bumper payouts followed 'significant and consistent bad weather', including Storm Eowyn, which the Met Office described as one of Britain's most powerful windstorms for more than a decade.

Total claims for damage to homes from adverse weather reached £226million in the period, which is £80million, or 55 per cent, more than in the previous quarter.

The ABI said its members paid out £109million to businesses for weather-related damage and business interruption in the quarter, representing a 7 per cent increase on the first quarter of 2024.

A record £886million was paid out in total for domestic property claims in the period, up £145million, or 20 per cent, on the first quarter of 2024. This sum included other 'perils' such as fire, theft and subsidence.

According to the ABI, the average annual price of combined building and contents home insurance in the quarter was £393, which is £1 lower than the previous quarter but £24 more than at the same point a year ago.

The total cost of property claims for domestic and commercial buildings in the quarter was £1.5billion, up £170million on a year ago.

Amid rising claims and payouts linked to adverse weather, the ABI wants to see more investment in flood defences across Britain.

Louise Clark, manager of general insurance policy at the ABI, said: 'Insurance remains a critical safety net when disaster strikes.

'But with climate change driving more frequent and severe weather, there must be a greater focus on prevention measures.

'Adequate and sustained investment in flood defences is crucial, and we urge the Government to commit to an investment of at least £1billion a year as part of its upcoming spending review.'

She added: 'We also want to see swift action to combat surface flooding, and a clear strategy to build climate-resilient homes in safe, flood-free areas as part of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

'Such forward-thinking measures will not only deliver substantial financial savings in the long-term, but also mitigate the emotional strain that extreme weather events inflict on households.'

Keeping your property well-maintained will help prevent weather-related damage and the need to claim on your insurance.

Aviva has four tips to help prevent damage to your property caused by adverse weather.

Check for loose or missing tiles, crumbling pointing or any other signs of damage. Also check your television aerial and satellite dish are firmly attached.

Make sure fence panels are fixed in place and garden gates are in good condition.

You don’t want panels flying away or gates swinging wildly in the wind as they could cause injury or further damage to property.

It is important to note that fences, gates or hedges damaged in a storm are not covered under many home insurance policies.

Cut down loose or overhanging branches in your garden, particularly those close to windows or power lines.

If a tree is planted in a neighbour's garden but branches overhang your property then you have the right to cut back those branches, though do mention it to them first.

You do not have to clean them every day, but if your gutters overflow during a downpour then it is time to give them a good clear out.

Once your gutters are clear, make sure they are securely fixed in place and can withstand poor weather.