Another busy winter

The 2024 – 2025 storm season was quieter for the UK than the previous year, which saw a record 12 named storms. However, it still brought several impactful events, including Storms Éowyn and Bert. The season began with Storm Ashley (20 – 21 October 2024) and ended with an unseasonal August storm, Floris (4 – 5 August 2025).

Storm Éowyn was the most significant event of the season, triggering advance red warnings and accounting for the majority of claim costs in Q1. According to industry data organisation Perils, the estimated cost of Storm Éowyn to UK insurers exceeds £652 million. In Ireland, it became the most expensive weather event in history, costing insurers over €301 million.

How Davies responded

Andrew Dakin, Head of Proposition – Property

“Knowing the storm season would bring a surge in claims, preparation was key. Our surveyor-led national model enabled us to maximise winter service capabilities. By integrating this model into the wider Davies proposition, we expanded resources across the UK, leveraging automation technology to enhance surge resilience, reducing both response times and recovery speeds.

Our blended approach: combining desk, surveying, and adjusting expertise ensures every claim is triaged and handled by the right specialist, delivering efficiency and value for our clients. Thanks to our group-wide structure, we rapidly deployed trained professionals from across the business to meet demand.

Our goal remains consistent: smarter surge management, greater resilience, and outstanding service for our clients and their customers.”

Conor Kennedy– Head of Ireland Claims

“Storm Éowyn was a major challenge in Ireland. Effective response hinges on early identification of the event’s unique features and the flexibility to adapt as new information emerges. Real-time data, clear communication, and rapid resource deployment are critical.

Strong client relationships are vital during a surge, as traditional claim-handling methods quickly become insufficient. We must also support our teams, ensuring they have the resources and downtime needed to maintain resilience.

Collaboration with our UK colleagues at key stages of the surge demonstrated our ability to draw on a wider resource base while maintaining local leadership; reassuring clients of our capacity and commitment.”

Looking ahead

The 2025 – 2026 UK and Ireland storm season officially began on 1 September and will run until 31 August 2026, with the first named storm of the season expected to land in the region imminently. Storm Amy is forecast to bring strong winds and rain, with warnings in place across a number of regions in the UK and Ireland.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the storm naming initiative – check out the storm names here. The Met Office advises that climate models continue to predict an increase in winter windstorms and coastal flooding risks. So, the more prepared we are, the better we can support our clients and their customers.

Andrew Dakin, Head of Proposition – Property

“Our surge management model has proven effective time and again, but we’re always evolving. Each year in Q2, we run dedicated surge learning sessions to capture insights from the previous winter and refine our approach.

We keep surge plans current and collaborate closely with clients to ensure seamless, efficient responses during peak periods. Tailored fast-track solutions are pre-agreed, and we proactively recruit to meet forecasted demand.

Enhancements to our automation software now offer improved on-site reporting, self-service appointment booking, automatic claim closures, and real-time financial outputs. This allows our experts to focus on what matters most—supporting customers when they need us.

Above all, we’re committed to transparent communication and delivering the best possible outcomes.”

Conor Kennedy– Head of Ireland Claims

“Fortunately, our Storm Éowyn claims are now resolved, giving us time to reflect and prepare. Automation plans have accelerated, increasing our capacity and enabling temporary operational models at different surge stages.

Sharing these learnings with colleagues and clients helps drive innovation and deepen partnerships.”

 

Get in touch

If you’d like to explore how your business could benefit from working with our property specialists, please contact:

Andrew Dakin
Head of Proposition – Property
Andrew.Dakin@davies-group.com

Conor Kennedy
Head of Ireland Claims
Conor.Kennedy@davies-group.com