Posted: 24 October 2025
Helping to protect your business from the growing threat of storms
Storm damage consistently ranks as the second most common cause of commercial property insurance claims, closely following behind escape of water incidents, according to Allianz internal quarterly commercial property claims report.
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the frequency and intensity of storms are expected to rise in the UK. This growing threat poses significant challenges for property owners and insurers alike, making is more neccessary to have a deeper understanding of the risks and proactive measures required to mitigate potential losses.
The increasing threat of storms
According to climate projections by the Met Office1, winter storms in the UK are anticipated to increase in both number and intensity. This trend is indicative of a changing climate, where severe weather events are becoming more frequent and destructive.
To enhance public awareness and preparation, the Met Office assigns names to significant storms. This naming convention serves as an effective communication tool, highlighting potential hazards and enables both commercial businesses and the general public to put in place precautionary measures.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI)2 reported that storms Babet, Ciaran, and Debi in late 2023 resulted in approximately £155 million of damage to businesses, highlighting the financial burden these events can impose.
Extreme weather events are a major driver of commercial property losses. The impact includes property damage, business interruption, supply chain disruptions and sometimes loss of life.
In 2025, the Allianz claims team observed a spike in storm claims during December (2024), January (2025), and February (2025) with a significant percentage increase in insured storm claims compared to the previous year.
Common storm-related claims include:
- Damage to roofs and siding from strong winds
- Interior water damage from roof leaks
- Flooding in basements and ground floors
- Damage to outdoor equipment and signs
- Damage to Solar panels
Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to review their insurance policies to ensure there is coverage from weather damage, as not all commercial property policies automatically include storm or flood protection.
Preparing for a storm
As the number of named storms rises, adopting proactive risk management strategies is essential to minimise losses. Businesses should:
- Understand Insurance Coverage: Review policies to ensure comprehensive coverage against storm damage, including wind, hail, and flood protection.
- Maintain Property: Regular maintenance can mitigate the impact of storm damage. Ensure properties are well-maintained and prepared for severe weather.
- Enhance Resilience: Consider the long-term effects of storms on operations and supply chains. Develop strategies to enhance business resilience
Our support in preparing for storms
We are committed to supporting businesses in preparing for severe weather events. We have prepared some advice on protecting property during the winter months. You can pass onto your customers to help them protect their assets and ensure continuity in the face of adverse weather conditions.
Explore our page Preparing commercial property for severe weather for guidance on planning ahead in case of storms, floods and winter weather.
Our Business Risk Support Weather Guidance also offers comprehensive insights and strategies to help businesses navigate the challenges posed by storms.
The Association of British Insurers has created a guide to Responding to Floods.
Major loss support for storm damage for commercial property
We understand that when severe weather strikes, our commercial property customers need swift, expert support. That's why our Major Loss Team (MLT) stands ready to respond, maintaining our commitment to on-site visits for new claims, whenever possible.
We aim to attend the site with all stakeholders including broker, customer, loss adjuster and risk mitigation experts. This on-site support allows us to understand what matters most to the customer and help us to develop tailored strategies for each claim.
Our expert team works diligently to quickly establish the cause of damage, provide instant support, and implement early mitigation measures. We understand that customers sometimes need immediate assistance. In certain situations, we offer interim payments, when applicable to help policyholders, particularly on large loss/major loss claims, which can significantly speed up the overall claim journey, improve mitigation opportunities, reduce claim lifecycles and lower the Average Cost Per Claim (ACPC). This approach not only supports our customers during difficult times but also enables more effective claim resolution through prompt intervention and sets us apart from other insurance providers.
Support your customers by making sure they understand their policy details and help them check if they’re protected against storm damage. Being prepared before severe weather strikes can help ensure a smoother claims process and faster recovery for their business.
