Flood damage claims submitted to local authorities have increased by 35% in the past two years, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information request by public sector insurer Zurich Municipal.
The figures show that councils received over 800 property damage claims in the past three years, largely resulting from sudden downpours. The claims highlight ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in managing surface water during periods of heavy rainfall, often linked to ageing drainage systems and changing weather patterns.
Zurich Municipal’s analysis, which includes data from 90 of the 318 local authorities in England, suggests the actual volume and associated cost of such claims could be significantly higher on a national scale.
A substantial proportion of these claims stem from issues such as blocked drains and insufficient maintenance of gutters, both of which have become more critical as climate-related flood risks increase.
Alix Bedford (pictured above), a risk expert at Zurich Municipal, said maintaining these systems will become increasingly important as weather patterns change, and noted that funding and resource decisions should reflect this.
In 2024, the entirety of the UK experienced a significant increase in flood-related insurance claims. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), insurers paid out a record £585 million for weather-related damages to homes and possessions, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 by £77 million.
This surge was attributed to "significant and consistent bad weather," including 12 named storms during the 2023/2024 storm season – the highest number since 2015/2016.
Notable flood events during the year included Storm Bert, which caused widespread flooding and resulted in insured losses estimated between £250 million and £350 million, primarily due to residential property damage.
The increase in claims has also impacted insurance premiums. The annual average price of combined building and contents home insurance rose by £55 (16%) in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching £395.
Zurich Municipal says that while the government has pledged £1.6 billion for highway maintenance, local authorities continue to face pressure from infrastructure that in many cases dates back to the Victorian era. As intense rainfall events become more frequent, councils are being urged to adopt both short- and long-term risk mitigation strategies.
According to the Environment Agency, the number of homes at risk of flooding is projected to rise from 6.3 million to 8 million by the middle of the century.
To assist councils in preparing for such events, Zurich Municipal said that it has partnered with fintech firm Previsico to provide access to a flash flood forecasting service. The system offers early warnings—up to 48 hours in advance—for properties within a specific distance of predicted flood activity.
The service, which is provided at no cost to Zurich Municipal customers, enables local authorities to implement response measures such as evacuations, road diversions, and temporary flood defences.
Zurich Municipal has also recommended that councils consider forming rapid response teams to conduct targeted drain and gully clearance in flood-prone areas ahead of forecast storm events, drawing a comparison to the proactive deployment of gritter lorries before icy weather.
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