By Sue Coffey
When we brought together brokers, industry experts and colleagues from across Covéa Insurance recently, one message came through loud and clear: while we cannot control the weather, we can all play a role in helping customers prepare for it.
Our discussion focused on a topic that is becoming increasingly important for brokers and customers alike, the impact of changing weather patterns and what they mean for flood resilience, property protection and long-term insurance solutions. Joining us on the panel were experts from Flood Re, WeatherNet and FloodWise, alongside our own claims and underwriting specialists. Together, they shared their perspectives on how the industry can adapt to a changing risk landscape.
While headlines about climate change, storms and flooding can often feel overwhelming, the conversation highlighted some positive developments. Significant investment in flood defences and advances in technology are helping to reduce risk, while new tools and services are making it easier for customers to take practical steps to protect their homes.
What became clear is that preparation is no longer something to think about after an event has occurred. Whether it is understanding a property's flood exposure, signing up to alerts, installing preventative measures or simply having a plan in place, small actions can make a significant difference when severe weather strikes.
For brokers, there is a real opportunity to add value through these conversations. Customers increasingly expect trusted advice, not just at renewal time but throughout the life of their policy. Helping them understand their risks and the practical steps available to reduce them can improve resilience, reduce disruption and ultimately lead to a better customer experience.
The discussion also explored proposed changes to Flood Re and how these may influence underwriting and customer behaviour in the years ahead. While these changes are some way off, they reinforce the importance of improving awareness, encouraging resilience and supporting innovation across the market.
One of my biggest takeaways from the session was that everyone has a role to play. Insurers, brokers, partners and customers all contribute to improving outcomes. By sharing knowledge, embracing new ideas and working together, we can help customers become better prepared for the challenges that changing weather patterns may bring.
At Covéa Insurance, we are committed to supporting brokers with insights, tools and expert guidance that help make these conversations easier. Through initiatives such as our work with FloodWise, weather alerts and ongoing broker engagement, we want to help customers move from simply reacting to events to becoming better prepared for them.
Because when it comes to severe weather, the best outcome is not a well-managed claim. It's helping customers avoid the disruption altogether.
