Ecclesiastical Insurance has warned of the risk of flash flooding in the UK after the Met Office forecast heavy rain and wind for the coming week – just as a significant risk gap around flood has been exposed.
This spring has been the driest in England since 1961, with just 80.6mm of rainfall recorded so far, nearly 20mm below the previous seasonal low set in 1852. This follows last year’s spring, which was the wettest in 38 years.
Ecclesiastical cited the July 2021 London floods, when over 1,000 properties and more than 30 tube stations were affected after twice the normal July rainfall fell in two hours. Flash flooding is a particular threat to properties with lower ground or basement levels, as water runs off sloped surfaces quickly.
To reduce flood risk, property owners are advised to prepare recovery plans, maintain buildings and vegetation, repair guttering, inspect drainage systems, and clear blocked rainwater gullies.
During floods, property owners should move valuables to upper floors or raise them, and turn off gas, electricity, and water if floodwater enters the property. The insurer also recommends installing flood barriers, sandbags, air-brick covers, non-return valves, drainage gullies, and using landscaping to divert water away from buildings without affecting neighbouring properties.
Jo Whyman, risk management director at Ecclesiastical, said: “Unpredictable and extreme weather is becoming more prevalent in the UK... with flash flooding, there is often very little time between the rain falling and flooding occurring. We encourage property owners to take precautions and review their flood plans.”
Separately, insurtech firm Previsico highlighted a gap between flood risk awareness and preparedness among UK businesses in its ‘2025 State of Flood Resilience’ report. Based on input from over 100 senior leaders, the report found that while 43% of businesses have experienced flooding, fewer than 30% have a flood action plan, and only 8% feel confident managing a flood.
Eighty-five percent (85%) of the businesses expressed concern about surface water flooding, yet 65% lack early warning systems. Business continuity and health and safety were key concerns.
Despite rising risks, 93% of businesses do not use parametric insurance, which can offer faster recovery, it was stated.
“Flooding is a present and growing reality. While awareness is rising, meaningful action is lagging,” said Previsico’s CEO Johnathan Jackson. “With the right strategies - flood plans, early warnings, and innovative insurance solutions - up to 70% of losses can be mitigated.”
