Help your personal lines clients get winter-ready

Discover our practical tips to share with your clients, including roof and exterior maintenance, gutters and drainage, flood preparedness and protecting valuables.

Storms, heavy rainfall and localised flooding all have the potential to cause significant damage to homes and belongings, particularly during the colder winter months. Our claims data* shows that one in five home insurance claims relate to storm damage, so we've pulled together some useful information for you to share with your personal lines clients ahead of the winter season.

• High winds can damage roofs, fences, gates and windows, while fallen trees and flying debris can result in costly property damage.
• Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drains and gutters, increasing the risk of water ingress and localised flooding.
• Surface water flooding can occur when drainage systems are unable to cope with large volumes of water, affecting homes even in areas not typically considered at flood risk.

The impact of many weather-related losses can be reduced through proactive maintenance and preparation.
 

Top tips for homeowners
 

Roofs and exterior maintenance

• Inspect roofs for missing, loose or damaged tiles, slates and flashings, and arrange repairs where necessary.
• Check chimneys, roof coverings and other external features are secure and in good condition.
   

Gutters and drainage

• Clear gutters, downpipes and drains of leaves and debris to help rainwater drain away effectively.
• Check gutters and downpipes are securely fixed and free from damage that could affect their performance.
   

Garden furniture and outdoor items

• Secure or store away garden furniture, ornaments, bins, tools and other loose items that could become airborne during high winds.
• Check fences, gates and outbuildings are in good condition and make repairs where needed.
   

Trees and landscaping

• Inspect trees for damaged or unstable branches that could fall during strong winds.
• Address any immediate risks and seek professional advice where necessary.
   

Flood preparedness

• Encourage clients to check their flood risk and sign up for local flood warnings where available.
• Consider practical flood resilience measures, particularly for properties located in flood-prone areas.
   

Protecting vehicles and valuables

• Where flooding is forecast, move vehicles to higher ground if it's safe to do so.
• Relocate valuable possessions, important documents and electrical items away from ground level where practical.
   

Emergency planning

• Prepare an emergency kit containing essentials such as torches, batteries, medication, bottled water and spare keys.
• Keep important contact details and insurance information readily accessible.
   

Review insurance arrangements

• Encourage clients to review their home insurance cover regularly so they understand what is and isn't covered.
• Remind homeowners that insurance is designed to cover unexpected events, not damage resulting from wear and tear or a lack of maintenance.

By carrying out routine maintenance and taking practical preventative measures, homeowners can improve their property's resilience and potentially reduce the impact of winter storms.


_{*Analysis of Aviva home insurance claims data 2022 – 2025.}