Woodgate & Clark Welcomes a `Winter Ready’ Strategy on Property

It’s no secret that the UK suffers storms in autumn and winter, many of which cause localised flooding and damage to property. Here’s the word from Woodgate and Clark as they welcome the idea of making an investment in time and money in terms of prevention, or mitigation of the worst damage the weather can do.

In response to proposals from the UK Government to support greater take up of property flood resilience, Woodgate & Clark, one of the UK’s leading loss adjusters with specialist expertise in commercial, heritage and high net worth properties, is adding its voice to calls for homeowners and businesses to take a preventative approach to risk this winter by getting their properties ‘winter ready’.

Woodgate & Clark is launching its own ‘Winter Ready’ social media campaign offering practical risk prevention advice that brokers can also share to help reduce claims frequency and strengthen customer relationships.  Key tips include:

• Understanding the property’s long term flood risk https://www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk

• Signing up for flood alerts: https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
• In a flood-prone area, installing barriers or non-return valves
• Clearing roof gutters, outside drains that maybe clogged with leaves and downpipes, making sure in heavy rain that water flows away from the property.
• Knowing where the stop-cock is located
• Moving cars and irreplaceable possessions out of harm’s way when flood warnings have been declared
• Elevating furniture and white goods if necessary to avoid water damage
• Checking sums insured, flood exclusions, storm and alternative accommodation limits

Across 2024, claims for damage to homes from windstorms, flooding, and frozen pipes surpassed the previous record from 2022 for the same claim types by £77 million.  While climate change is reducing the risk of snow and sudden freezes, the latest State of the UK Climate Report shows winters are getting wetter and sea levels are rising at a faster pace than ever before.

Simon Jones, Director at Woodgate & Clark, said: “There’s a real danger that property owners are underestimating the risk of flood. Taking a few simple precautions now can prevent a great deal of distress and expense later.  We also want to help brokers to engage proactively with their clients ahead of winter using social media and email campaigns to spread awareness of the flood risk information offered by the Environment Agency and the steps they can take to protect their homes and businesses.