Your property must be protected against unpredictable and extreme weather that's becoming more frequent.
Some of the most damaging weather for your business is floods, storms and ice, and although you can’t prevent these weather conditions, you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for the unexpected.
Les Roberts, a member of the insurance team at Bionic has shared his advice on how to ensure your property is prepared for any unexpected weather this autumn and winter.
Convective lightning risk and a thunderstorm watch has been issued for tonight and into tomorrow! ⚠️⛈️ pic.twitter.com/Ck1M9M7tP9
— 🌧️🌬️WarwickshireMidlandsWX (Foxy)🌬️🌧️ (@WxMidlands) June 13, 2025
How to protect your property from storm damage
Les stated: “Fixing the damage caused by storms can cost a LOT of time and money."
Therefore, the best way to protect your property from storm damage is to make sure everything on the building is as secure as it can be, ahead of the storm, so look out for the following:
- Make sure all roof tiles are secure and any broken or loose ones are replaced.
- Make sure all gutters are properly attached and any blockages are cleared.
- Keep all external doors, windows and gates securely closed.
- Secure all fences and fence posts and remove or secure all outdoor furniture/displays.
If high winds have been predicted in your area, then you should:
- Make sure vehicles or company cars or vans are parked away from any trees and are in a safe area.
- Make sure any company signs, outdoor seats/furniture, and anything that’s not fixed to the floor, are taken inside so they can’t be picked up by the winds and cause any damage.
How to protect your property from flooding
Les said: “It might sound obvious, but the best way to protect from flooding is to make sure you have a robust business flood plan in place, for both the short and long term.
"In the short term, check the Environment Agency website and see if there are flood warnings in your area. It’s also worth taking a look at the live flood warning map – you should immediately start planning for the worst if you spy a warning near you.
"If you’ve ever been the victim of flooding, then the odds are you’ll fall foul of floodwaters again at some point. So, it makes sense to put long-term plans in place to protect your business against future flooding."
- Replace any downstairs carpets with sealed wood or ceramic tiles.
- Fit any water entry points, including doors and air bricks, with flood skirts and use water-resistant sealant on doors, windows, and skirting boards.
- Raise electrical sockets as high up the wall as possible.
- Plaster walls with waterproof lime plaster and get a chemical damp-proof course.
Les continued: "Regularly check drains to make sure they’re clear from any blockages, which can exacerbate rising water levels, and fit one-way valves to pipes and water outlets so no water can flow back up them.”
How to make an insurance claim for extreme weather damage
If the worst happens and your business gets hit by extreme rainfall, high wind, a storm, snow or another weather-related incident, you should follow these seven steps to making a claim:
Keep everyone safe
If your business is damaged in some way, you may be tempted to go in and salvage what you can, but this can be dangerous. If you can, and it is safe to, turn off gas and electricity, then get out of the property and get to safety, taking customers and staff with you.
Inform your broker or insurer
Once everyone is safe, make sure you inform your broker or insurer of the damage. Always keep their contact number and your policy number noted down somewhere digitally (or on your phone) so you can easily call in an emergency.
Send pictures of any damages
If possible, and safe to, take pictures of the damages — this includes damage to parts of your building, equipment, supplier and whatever else has been a victim of the weather-related event. This can help your broker or insurer with your claim.
Arrange an inspection if needed
When you eventually go back to your property, don’t clean it up straight away. When making a claim, your provider may want to come and inspect your business to check the damages to see what needs fixing or replacing.
Fill out a claims form
Your insurance provider will send you a claims form to fill out. It’s key you do this as quickly as possible to avoid any delays. If you’re having trouble working out the costs of your claim - ask your insurer, broker or a loss assessor to help you.
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Keep all receipts of repair work
When you return to your property and arrange any repair work, keep all quotes, receipts and any comms with tradesmen safe so you have evidence of your costs.
Leave the rest to your insurer
Although it can be a stressful process, insurers deal with claims every day and are there to help your business get back up and running as soon as possible. Your insurer should keep you informed on a resolution or if there are any delays with your claim.
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