Insurers’ climate credentials not part of the client conversation
The majority of brokers aren’t talking to clients about insurers’ climate credentials, new research from Ecclesiastical shows.
Ecclesiastical Insurance is encouraging customers to take precautions to help prevent damage to property ahead of the coming storm season.
It comes as the Met Office publishes its annual list of storm names for the upcoming storm season serving as a reminder to those responsible for property to prepare for extreme weather.
In 2022 the UK experienced widespread disruption and damage as Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin brought 122mph winds and severe flooding to the country leading to over 170,000 claims worth an estimated £500million1 for property damage.
Jo Whyman, risk management director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Since the Met Office started naming storms in 2015 it’s always caught the public attention. Storms can have a massive impact on our customers, so this announcement is a timely reminder for them to take steps to prepare for the winter.
“As ever, our expert risk teams are on hand to deal with any risk management queries customers may have. Our website also has a wide range of advice on how to prepare for a storm.”
Property owners can help to prevent damage by carrying out basic steps before the storms arrive:
Ecclesiastical has a network of specialist contractors it works with to help customers recover following extreme weather. The specialist insurer helps to coordinate clean-up operations for affected customers and works with loss adjustors that will provide onsite help to get customers and businesses back on their feet.
Jeremy Trott, claims director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Unpredictable and extreme weather is becoming more prevalent in the UK, from heatwaves to flooding, so it’s important that we are ready to support customers.
“Last year we had widespread and severe cold weather which affected a number of our customers, leading to a high volume of claims. Our message to customers is that our award-winning claims handlers will be able to support them if they are affected by storms this winter - whether that’s as a result of wind, rain or snow. We are here if customers need us.”