The stormy weather hitting much of the UK will occur more frequently and cause more damage unless action is taken, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) warned.
While claims for damage following bad weather this winter have so far been what insurers expect, climate change looks set to increase the risk, according to the trade association. Over half a million homes are now at high flood risk – up over 100% in the last five years. And rising sea levels could lead to many more properties being hit by coastal flooding.
Jane Milne, the ABI's head of property insurance, said: “Insurers are geared up to dealing with storm damage claims as quickly and efficiently as possible. Over the last three years they have paid out on average £600 million a year to policyholders hit by storms.
“But action is needed now to protect customers from our increasingly erratic weather. Today's storms back up our call for more investment in our flood defences.”
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
