Swiss Re has put its preliminary claims estimate for winter storm Kyrill at approximately €140m before tax.

Swiss Re believes Kyrill could cost the insurance industry up to €3.5bn. However, the reinsurer highlighted the fact that its hedging strategy has proven extremely effective at limiting its expected exposure to a “modest” €140m.

The low pressure system that gave rise to winter storm Kyrill formed on 15 January 2007 over Newfoundland. It made first landfall on 18 January in Ireland and the UK before moving to Continental Europe. While the peak wind speeds were generally far lower than Lothar in 1999 which cost the industry €5.5bn in today's currency, Kyrill covered a much broader area with strong gales, affecting large areas of the United Kingdom and Germany, along
with neighbouring countries in Continental Europe.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

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.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.