Over the past decade, Ireland has seen a significant increase in extreme weather events—storms, floods, and unseasonal cold snaps are becoming more frequent and severe. For insurance brokers, this shift is more than a headline—it’s a real, growing concern that impacts underwriting, claims, and client conversations.

The Changing Weather Landscape

From Storm Babet to flash flooding in urban centres, weather-related claims are on the rise. The data backs it up: both insurers and government agencies have recorded sharp increases in weather-related losses in recent years. For homeowners and businesses, this means higher premiums, restricted cover in some areas, and growing scrutiny of property risk.

The Broker’s Role: Educate, Advise, and Protect

As trusted intermediaries, brokers are in a unique position to help clients understand and manage their exposure. Here are a few key areas where proactive advice can make a real difference:

1. Flood Risk & Mapping

Insurers are now using more sophisticated flood mapping tools when assessing risk. Brokers should:

• Know which areas are flagged as high-risk by underwriters.

• Help clients understand why cover may be restricted or come with conditions.

• Offer guidance on mitigation measures (e.g., flood barriers, drainage maintenance).

2. Underinsurance Risks

Extreme weather often reveals gaps in cover. Rising repair and rebuild costs mean that many clients are unknowingly underinsured.

• Encourage regular reviews of sums insured.

• Promote the use of rebuild calculators (e.g. SCSI House Rebuild Calculator).

• Emphasise the importance of index linking and regular policy updates.

3. Business Interruption Awareness

Many SMEs are unaware of the implications of weather disruption—from power outages to physical damage.

• Ensure clients understand how business interruption cover works.

• Review indemnity periods and conditions with them.

• Ask: “If you had to close for two months, what would you need to stay afloat?”

Adapting for the Future

Climate change isn’t going away. As insurers reassess their appetite and adjust policy wordings, brokers must evolve too:

• Stay on top of changes to insurer underwriting policies.

• Build relationships with insurers open to non-standard risks.

• Invest in client education—blog posts, newsletters, and webinars help build trust and reduce misunderstandings at claim time.

Final Thought

As the climate shifts, so must the insurance conversation. Brokers who lead the way—by advising, preparing, and protecting—will not only support their clients through difficult times but will also strengthen their own long-term relationships and reputation.