Impact of the Dual Storms
According to Insurance Business reporting, Storm Boelo brought severe flooding, falling trees, and gales to the UK and Ireland just a day after Storm Austen. Gusts reached 85mph in locations such as Machrihanish and the Needles, while rainfall exceeded 130mm at Cluanie Inn. The Energy Networks Association reported that 838,700 properties lost power across both weather events, with 161,400 still disconnected as of Sunday afternoon. Tragically, a 60-year-old man died near Castle Douglas after being struck by a falling tree, and multiple injuries were reported due to falling trees and a scaffolding collapse in Streatham.
Policy and Reinsurance Complications
Insurance Business notes that the rapid succession of Storms Austen and Boelo creates complexities regarding policy excesses and reinsurance. Standard home policies typically apply an excess to each individual claim, meaning properties damaged by both storms could face multiple excesses unless insurers treat the incidents as a single loss. Similarly, catastrophe reinsurance relies on hours clauses, often grouping windstorm losses within a 72-hour window. Whether Austen and Boelo are classified as one event or two will determine how much insurers retain before reinsurance responds.
Expected Claims and Broker Advice
Property, motor, caravan, and marine claims are expected to dominate following the severe weather. Insurance Business highlights that commercial clients face potential business interruption losses, though policy extensions are often required for losses stemming purely from power cuts or road closures. Brokers are advising clients to photograph damage, retain receipts for emergency repairs, and document which storm caused specific damage to help navigate potential excess and policy queries as another Atlantic low approaches.