...as new data shows a fifth of home insurance claims relate to storms.
- Analysis of Aviva’s claims data reveals a fifth (20%) of all home insurance claims are for storm damage[1]
- Of these, the majority (84%) occur during autumn and winter[1]
- Storm claims peak in December, January and February
- Research shows almost half (47%) of people are worried about the impact of storms on their homes[2]
- As autumn sets in, Aviva warns homeowners to take action to prepare their homes for extreme weather
New data from leading home insurer, Aviva, reveals a fifth (20%) of all home insurance claims relate to storms, with damage typically caused by broken or loose roof tiles, fallen trees or damaged windows.[1]
Analysis of the insurer’s home insurance claims data from 2022 to 2025 also shows that four fifths (84%) of storm claims occur between the cooler months of October to March, with February receiving the most (26%), followed by January (21%) and December (11%).
As warmer temperatures give way to more seasonal autumnal weather, Aviva is warning homeowners to prepare their properties for storms, heavy rain and flooding.
Laura Lazarus, director of home and lifestyle claims at Aviva, said: “Although the UK has experienced warmer than average temperatures for many months this year, as autumn gets underway and weather patterns become more changeable, we urge homeowners to take steps to protect their homes.
“Taking action when the weather is milder is the best way to ensure your home is ready for extreme weather. Simple measures, such as checking your gutters, securing roof tiles and undertaking maintenance can make a big difference, preventing damage from occurring in the first place. In addition to checking your property, we advise residents to secure outdoor items, such as trampolines, or store them in an outbuilding during the winter months.
“Storms can bring heavy rain and as many parts of the country are still in drought, it may be more difficult for excess water to drain away quickly, causing localised flooding. Sadly, surface water floods can happen anywhere, but are more prevalent in urban areas where drains can become overwhelmed. Checking your flood risk and making a flood plan in advance can help homeowners be prepared should the worst happen.
Check home insurance cover
In the same way we check our cars every year by having an MOT, ahead of winter, we’d encourage homeowners to give their home an annual maintenance check.
Home insurance is designed to cover unexpected events but most policies won’t cover wear and tear, maintenance-related issues or problems caused gradually over time, such as wet or dry rot. While most home insurance policies cover damage caused to the home by storms or floods, many do not cover fences, hedges or gates. Fixing and securing these items in advance of bad weather could help to prevent more serious problems later.
Laura Lazarus continued: "In the same way we check our cars every year by having an MOT, ahead of winter, we’d encourage homeowners to give their home an annual maintenance check. Wet and windy weather conditions can often highlight - rather than cause - damage so looking out for issues early can help prevent smaller problems becoming bigger ones."
Separate research commissioned for Aviva among 2100 residents suggests many are worried about the impact of bad weather on their homes. Damage caused by storms is the biggest weather concern, with almost half (47%) saying they are worried about the impact it may have on their home. One in six (16%) say their home has been affected by wind or storm damage in the last five years.[2]
Aviva has developed some tips to help homeowners get ready for extreme weather:
- Inspect your roof for any missing/loose tiles or slates or areas of damage. Aviva research suggests roof damage is the most common home issue caused by extreme weather.
- Safely store away garden furniture, tools and ornaments, making sure any large pieces that can’t be moved are securely fixed. Secure fences and gates.
- Ensure gutters and downpipes are attached securely and clear out your gutters and drains to prevent water overflowing. Leaves and debris can also block road drains, which can prevent water draining away, so report blockages to your local council.
- Listen out for flood warnings in your area and sign up to the Government’s flood risk checker. If you live in an area at risk from flooding, consider installing flood resilience measures, which can help reduce the impact of flood water. More information is available at befloodready.co.uk.
- Move your car to higher ground and move valuables to a higher level (such as high shelves or upstairs) particularly if you live in a high flood risk area.
- Prepare a storm or flood emergency kit in case you need to leave your home. Pack warm clothes, medicines, a torch, batteries, spare house and car keys, and bottled water.
- Read your home insurance documents and store them safely, whether in your home or on your insurer’s app, so you know what is covered if you need to make a claim.
See more information on home maintenance.
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References:
1. Analysis of Aviva home insurance claims data 2022 – 2025. [↑]
2. Research among 2,103 UK consumers (aged 16+). Minimum 500 homeowners whose homes have been built within the last 5 years. Research conducted 29.05.2026 - 08.06.2026 [↑]
Enquiries:
Liz Kennett
+44 (0) 7800 692 675
Sid Varma
+44 (0) 7385 018 944
Notes to editors:
- We are the UK's only diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China.
- We help our 25.3 million customers make the most out of life, plan for the future, and have the confidence that if things go wrong we’ll be there to put it right.
- We have been taking care of people for more than 325 years, in line with our purpose of being ‘with you today, for a better tomorrow’. In 2025, we paid £31.9 billion in claims and benefits to our customers.
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