Are adverse weather events driving up your landlord insurance premium?

In recent years, the UK has seen a notable surge in extreme weather events - notably heavier rainfall and more frequent storms. As a result, more rental properties are being impacted by flooding, storm damage, and subsidence. And for landlords, that means one thing: rising insurance premiums.

Why insurance costs are rising

Insurance premiums are calculated based on risk. If your rental property is located in:

• A high-crime area
• A flood zone
• A region with known subsidence risk

…then you can expect to pay a higher premium.

The weather connection

Subsidence is becoming increasingly common as climate patterns shift. A cycle of heavy rainfall followed by prolonged dry spells - particularly in clay-rich soil areas - causes soil to expand and contract. This movement can lead to ground instability and serious structural damage to properties.

According to recent Go Compare research:

• Between 2016 and 2024, general home insurance claims rose by 20%
• But flooding and subsidence-related claims soared by 58%

This sharp rise reflects the growing impact of climate change on UK housing infrastructure - and the corresponding rise in insurance risk assessments.

Repeat claims, repeat costs

One of the most significant drivers of rising premiums is repeat claims. The more frequently insurers have to pay out due to extreme weather, the more premiums increase across the board.

This is particularly relevant to landlords, who may face:

• Higher premiums after a claim
• Difficulty finding affordable cover
• Stricter policy conditions

What is happening to average insurance costs?

Those whose properties are located in areas where there is a history of flooding will currently pay an average of £454 – twice the cost of insuring an unaffected property. For those affected by subsidence, it’s almost 2.5 times the cost, at £545. 

It’s important to note that insurers are certainly not overcharging. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said in 2023 that, despite the cost of claims rising, insurance providers were doing all they could to offer their customers competitive deals. And in 2022, the reality was that for every pound insurers received from premiums, they paid out £1.22 in claims and expenses.

The average annual premium for buildings and contents insurance in Q2 of 2025 was only £1 more than the same period last year, and buildings-only insurance was just £4 more, while the average cost of contents-only policies actually dropped by £7.

What can I do to minimise the chance of having to make a claim?

Prevention is key, so although the number of claims relating to environmental risks is rising, you can help keep your premium as low as possible by taking preventative measures:

• Clear out gutters and drains regularly, especially during the autumn and before and after storms and consider increasing the capacity, to take higher levels of rainfall.
• Check the roof twice a year and after storms or high winds to make sure there are no slipped tiles or gaps where water can penetrate.
• Repair cracks in brickwork as soon as you notice them.
• If bad weather is forecast, cover air bricks and fit flood gates if needed.
• Create soakaways for the driveway and garden to allow excess surface water to easily drain back into the ground.

You might also be interested in our separate article, ‘Top 5 ways to reduce insurance claims’.

Most importantly, stay on top of your insurance and review it annually with your insurer to make sure you remain fully protected in case you need to make a claim.

If you would like to discuss any element of buildings, contents or general landlord insurance, you can contact our team of specialists by calling 01903 890044 or emailing info@bodeinsurancesolutions.co.uk and requesting a callback. You can also get a quote online 24/7.

If you are a current landlord with any of the agencies in LRG, an insurance quote is ready and waiting for you in your online landlord account. No fuss or forms to fill out!

Bode Insurance Solutions Limited is registered in England (Company no 03101637) Registered Address: Building 1, Meadows Business Park, Blackwater, Camberley GU17 9AB.
Bode Insurance Solutions Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference 313541.
You may check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA’s website https://register.fca.org.uk or by contacting the FCA on 0800 111 6768