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Underinsurance and extreme weather: How to stay protected when the weather turns

James Cooper
James Cooper
Trading Director, read more

Written: January 19, 2026

Summer 2025 was one for the record books. Not only was it the hottest ever recorded[1], but we also saw hailstones the size of pound coins batter parts of the UK[2], a suspected tornado in Huddersfield[3] and even a 1.6 magnitude earthquake in North Wales[4]. All in the middle of summer.

As climate change accelerates, the weather is getting harder to predict – and that unpredictability is exposing a hidden risk: underinsurance. When the cost of repairing or rebuilding after extreme weather is higher than your cover allows, the financial impact can be devastating.

In this article, Everywhen explores how climate change is reshaping risk, why underinsurance is a growing concern, and what practical steps you can take to protect your property and business.

Climate change: A growing force behind extreme weather

Climate change is no longer a distant threat[5]. Many people believe that it’s here, and it’s already reshaping our daily life.

As the temperature rises during a hot summer, so does the moisture in the air. This creates a ripple effect with heavier rainfall, longer heatwaves and more intense storms.

This shift is already being felt across the UK. And as the climate continues to change, extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent – and more severe.

Unpredictable weather brings unexpected claims

Flash floods can hit with no warning. Storms can tear through roofs, destroying the contents inside and disrupting homes, livelihoods and communities. Heatwaves can cause subsidence, leading to structural issues that are expensive to fix.[6]

For insurers and customers alike, unpredictable weather may result in an increase of complex claims.

Why underinsurance catches people out

At Everywhen, we often talk about underinsurance – and for good reason.

Underinsurance happens when your cover doesn’t reflect the actual cost of rebuilding, repairing or replacing your property or belongings. It’s more common than you might think. In fact, 70% of UK buildings are reported to be underinsured.[7]

There are a couple of reasons why:

  • Incorrect rebuild costs: Rising material and labour costs, supply chain issues and inflation have all pushed rebuild costs higher.

  • Confusion between rebuild cost vs market value: Many property owners assume these two figures are the same, but they’re not. This misunderstanding is one of the most common causes of underinsurance. Learn more about the difference here.

  • Assumptions about coverage: Some people may assume certain risks are covered, only to find exclusions in the small print.

The problem is that underinsurance often only comes to light when it’s too late – and the consequences can leave people in the lurch.

In some cases, if you’re underinsured, your insurer may decide to only pay a proportion of your claim – leaving you to cover the rest out of your own pocket.

If you are significantly underinsured, your insurer may not pay any of the claim at all.

How to protect yourself against underinsurance

Fortunately, there are a few practical steps you can take to make sure your policy reflects the true value of your property and belongings.

  • Get a professional rebuild cost assessment: Use a qualified surveyor to find out what it would really cost to rebuild. Our sister company, RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com, offers competitive reviews of your property.

  • Review your policy regularly: Don’t let your insurance gather dust. Check your cover at least once a year, and after any major changes to your property or business.

  • Understand your terms and conditions: Read the fine print. Make sure you know what’s covered, what’s excluded, and any limits that apply. If anything’s unclear, speak to your broker or insurer.

  • Disclose all relevant information: Be honest and thorough when applying for, or renewing, your insurance. Skipping any key details can invalidate your cover.

Stay protected with Everywhen

The weather getting more unpredictable, but your insurance doesn’t have to.

At Everywhen, we’ll help you understand your risks and make sure your cover is fit for purpose. Whether you’re protecting your home or your business, we’ll guide you through the process and help you avoid costly surprises.

Don’t wait for the next storm to find out your cover isn’t enough. Speak to our team today on 0345 266 8563 to make sure your cover is ready for whatever the weather throws your way.

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.

James Cooper

James Cooper

Trading Director

James is a respected industry leader with over 15 years' experience in the home and property insurance sector.

He works across a broad range of insurance product and policy development and delivery, including product development; customer sales and marketing; and P&L accountability. 

James currently works at Everywhen as Trading Director, and was previously Head of Sales and Service - Property. Everywhen combines regional care with national reach, deep sector knowledge and strong insurer relationships to deliver tailored solutions across 55+ schemes. We help our clients navigate everyday and emerging risks with confidence, always and at all times.