Rise in Flood Damage Claims Highlights Infrastructure Challenges

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Increasing Flood Damage Claims: A Growing Concern for Local Authorities

Flood damage claims submitted to local councils have surged by 35% over the last two years, as revealed by data acquired through a Freedom of Information request from public sector insurer Zurich Municipal. The statistics indicate that councils have processed over 800 property damage claims in the past three years, primarily due to sudden torrential downpours.

This increase in claims underscores the persistent challenges local authorities face in managing surface water during heavy rainfall, often exacerbated by outdated drainage systems and evolving weather patterns. Zurich Municipal’s analysis, which encompasses data from 90 of the 318 local authorities in England, suggests that the true volume and cost of these claims could be considerably higher nationwide.

A significant portion of these claims is attributed to issues such as clogged drains and inadequate gutter maintenance, which have become more critical as climate-related flood risks continue to rise. Alix Bedford, a risk expert at Zurich Municipal, emphasized the growing importance of maintaining these systems as weather patterns shift, highlighting the need for funding and resource allocation to reflect this trend.

Record Insurance Payouts Amidst Severe Weather Conditions

In 2024, the UK witnessed a substantial rise in flood-related insurance claims. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), insurers disbursed a record £585 million for weather-related damages to homes and belongings, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 by £77 million.

This surge was driven by significant and consistent adverse weather, including 12 named storms during the 2023/2024 storm season – the highest count since 2015/2016. Among the notable flood events was Storm Bert, which caused widespread flooding and resulted in insured losses estimated between £250 million and £350 million, primarily affecting residential properties.

The increase in claims has also affected insurance premiums. The average annual cost of combined building and contents home insurance increased by £55 (16%) in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of £395.

Strategies for Mitigating Flood Risks

Zurich Municipal reports that while the government has committed £1.6 billion for highway maintenance, local authorities are still contending with infrastructure that often dates back to the Victorian era. As intense rainfall events become more common, councils are being encouraged to implement both short- and long-term risk mitigation strategies.

According to the Environment Agency, the number of homes at risk of flooding is projected to escalate from 6.3 million to 8 million by mid-century. To aid councils in preparing for such events, Zurich Municipal has partnered with fintech firm Previsico to offer access to a flash flood forecasting service. This system provides early warnings—up to 48 hours in advance—for properties within a specified distance of anticipated flood activity.

This service, available at no cost to Zurich Municipal clients, empowers local authorities to enact response measures such as evacuations, road diversions, and temporary flood defences.

Additionally, Zurich Municipal recommends that councils consider establishing rapid response teams to conduct targeted drain and gully clearance in flood-prone areas before forecasted storm events, mirroring the proactive deployment of gritter lorries before icy weather conditions.