With winter weather driving a spike in claims, brokers can step in now to help clients protect their homes and prevent costly damage
As we wake up in the mornings to frost, now can be the ideal time for brokers to reach out to their clients and guide them through essential property maintenance steps.
According to data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) Q3 Property Insurance Premium Tracker, insurers have paid out a staggering £936 million for damage caused by adverse weather, including storms, heavy rainfall, and frozen pipes in 2025.
So, here are some top tips to help clients prepare their homes for the remainder of winter and, crucially, reduce the likelihood of costly insurance claims.
Understanding the winter property risk
Digging deep into the ABI figures paints a worrying picture. The total of successful weather-related claims climbed from £143m in 2024 to reach £936m. That is a huge leap. Of the £936m in weather-related claims, £596m was channelled directly into reimbursing personal lines policyholders for damage to their homes and possessions, up 21% on 2024.
Burst pipes remain one of the biggest causes of winter claims for insurers. Not only can these claims run into thousands of pounds, but the resulting damage can take months to repair and be deeply distressing for homeowners. The good news is that many of these incidents are preventable with proper preparation.
Top five winter claim mitigation tips
1. Stopcock: One of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of home preparedness is shutting off the external water supply. Advise clients to locate their stopcock and test that it turns off easily. If they experience any issues, it is wise for them to consider having it serviced before winter really sets in.
2. Temperature: Homes that become too cold and are then heated rapidly can suffer from damp and condensation. More seriously, if frozen pipes thaw too quickly, they can burst, causing significant water damage. Encourage clients to review their thermostat settings and check that their loft, cavity walls, and particularly their pipes and water tanks are properly insulated.
3. Outside: External maintenance plays a crucial role in protecting properties from winter weather. Encourage clients to clear their gutters and drains regularly and check that downpipes are securely attached and directing water away from the property's foundations. Missing or damaged roof tiles should be repaired or replaced before winter storms hit, as should any unstable fences, walls, sheds, and outbuildings.
4. Review: The winter months provide an excellent opportunity to review every client's insurance arrangements. Ensure they have comprehensive home insurance in place and that their cover is adequate for their needs. This is particularly important for clients with non-standard properties. Many homeowners are unaware of policy exclusions or limitations that could leave them vulnerable. Take time to explain what is and isn't covered, and ensure clients understand any excess amounts they'd need to pay in the event of a claim.
5. Maintenance: Prevention is always better than cure. While winter is typically when homeowners start noticing problems with their properties, it's often the worst time to begin repairs. Encourage clients to maintain their homes ahead of time, including getting their boilers serviced, checking the condition of seals around windows and doors, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent damp and mould, and keeping an eye on the property's general condition and fixing any issues promptly.
Your clients need you to act now
Don't wait for the cold snap to really kick in before contacting clients. We urge brokers to reach out now with these practical tips and offer to review existing cover. By helping clients prepare their properties for winter and ensuring they have adequate insurance protection, brokers are fulfilling their role as their trusted advisor through the delivery of proactive mitigation advice.
The next best action is then for brokers to reach out to their general insurance provider.
This is especially vital for clients seeking cover for properties that may struggle to obtain insurance elsewhere. For example, a client who lives in a flood-risk area, owns a property made from non-standard construction materials, or has a complex claims history.
Your GI provider is there to help with advice, provide you with access to a broad panel, and support you in protecting your clients' properties during the winter and throughout the year.
Mark Chappell is Head of Intermediary at Ceta Insurance.
