As damage assessments continue following Windstorm Amy, insurers across Europe are fielding thousands of claims and advising policyholders on next steps, with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reminding customers to contact insurers early and review coverage under home and commercial policies.
Windstorm Amy - known in Germany as Detlef - was the first named storm of the 2025–26 European windstorm season. The event brought winds exceeding 93mph and heavy rainfall to Ireland, the UK, France, and Norway on October 3–4, causing extensive flooding and widespread disruption.
According to Aon, the storm likely resulted in insured losses reaching hundreds of millions of euros.
Thousands of damage reports have been recorded, with power outages affecting about 560,000 households across the affected countries and Sweden. Transport networks were heavily impacted as flights were canceled, rail services halted, and ferry operations suspended. In northern Germany, crossings between Rostock and Gedser were canceled due to unsafe sea conditions, while other ferry routes, including services to the Halligen islands and Sylt, were shut down because of storm surges.
The storm also caused structural damage and fatalities. Authorities confirmed at least three deaths - one in Ireland and two in France - linked to weather-related incidents. Wind speeds reached 9 mph in northern Scotland and 92mph in Magilligan, Northern Ireland, setting a provisional record for the strongest gust recorded in October. In France, coastal winds peaked at 131 km/h (81mph). Amy also provisionally broke the UK’s record for the lowest October pressure at 947.9 hPa in Shetland.
The ABI has issued guidance for affected homeowners and businesses, advising them to check policy details, keep insurers’ contact information accessible, and secure property where it is safe to do so. The association’s flood response framework outlines how insurers typically manage claims, from providing temporary accommodation to appointing loss adjusters who oversee restoration and drying processes that can take several months.
For homes rendered uninhabitable, the ABI said insurers will arrange or pay for temporary housing and related expenses. Policyholders are also reminded to retain receipts for emergency repairs and consult their insurers before disposing of damaged items. The organization further encouraged participation in the Build Back Better scheme, which allows homeowners to install flood-resilience features during restoration.
Aon noted that restoration efforts and damage assessments remain ongoing, which could affect final loss figures. Earlier this year, Perils AG estimated insured losses from Windstorm Éowyn, which struck the British Isles in January, at €747 million ($870.1 million).
How do you think insurers and policyholders can better prepare for the rest of the storm season? Share your thoughts in the comments.
