By SenseRisk, your 5* rated, highly trusted, Bristol-based insurance broker
Autumn Risks: Is Your Insurance Ready for the Season Ahead?
The autumn landscape
Autumn has always brought changeable weather, but the scale and nature of these risks is evolving.
Across the UK, businesses continue to face weather-related risks such as flooding, storms and ground movement. Recent government reporting has highlighted the impact of sustained wet conditions and multiple storms, while flood risk mapping shows that a significant number of properties remain exposed to flooding. These risks can create uncertainty for businesses when reviewing property protection, maintenance and insurance arrangements.
While every business is different, several risks tend to come into sharper focus during autumn:
Trees and subsidence
Ground movement is influenced by wet winters followed by dry summers, causing soil to expand and contract. This increases the risk of subsidence and structural damage, particularly where trees affect soil moisture levels.
Flooding
Flood risk is both widespread and growing. Around 6.3 million properties in England are now in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea or surface water.
Flood events can lead to significant disruption, financial loss and prolonged recovery.
Storm damage
Storm systems are increasingly associated with heavier rainfall and stronger winds over wider areas, meaning a single event can affect multiple regions. Combined with saturated autumn ground conditions, this heightens the risk of:
- Roof and structural damage
- Water ingress
- Localised flooding
Why this matters at claim time
Autumn risks often become clear only after a loss. Many businesses don’t realise insurers often expect:
- Gutters to be maintained
- Roofs to be inspected
- Water ingress to be addressed promptly
Flooding in particular can have long-lasting impacts, with recovery often taking longer than expected.
Where insurance fits in
Businesses may wish to consider:
- Whether flood, storm and subsidence cover remain appropriate
- Whether sums insured reflect current rebuilding costs
- Whether business interruption periods are sufficient
- Whether policy conditions relating to maintenance are being complied with
Insurers are increasingly factoring changing climate risks into pricing and coverage structures. Insurance cover, limits and exclusions will vary by policy, so businesses should review their individual arrangements with their broker.
What can businesses do now?
Autumn is an ideal time to review your position:
- Assess exposure to flood, storm and subsidence risks
- Check whether maintenance arrangements for roofs, drainage and trees are up to date
- Revisit business interruption assumptions
Taking time to review weather-related exposures before the winter period may help businesses identify practical actions, improve resilience and support recovery planning.
Example: One client located in a flood-prone area chose to supplement their traditional insurance with parametric flood cover. A sensor was installed on site and, if flood water reached an agreed level, a pre-agreed payment would automatically be triggered. The business and tenants shared the cost, giving immediate access to funds to deal with the aftermath of a flood.
Speak to SenseRisk
Autumn is a useful time to check whether your cover reflects how weather risk behaves today, not how it used to.
Your broker can help you:
- Identify potential gaps in your cover
- Discuss whether your insurance remains aligned with current risk exposures
- Support preparation ahead of the winter season
A simple review now may help identify potential gaps before the worst weather arrives.