Summer Flooding on the Rise: What Homeowners Need to Know

Recent analysis by Aviva has revealed a surprising trend: over a third (35%) of home insurance flood claims now occur between June and August, challenging the traditional notion that floods are mainly a winter concern.

Key Findings:

• July and August alone account for nearly a quarter (24%) of all flood claims.

• Flash floods in summer are becoming more frequent, often triggered by intense downpours on dry, compacted ground.

• One in five UK properties is at risk from surface water or flash flooding even those far from rivers or the sea.

• Flood hotspots in summer include Greater London, the Southeast, and East of England.

Why This Matters:

Urban development and changes to outdoor spaces are contributing to the problem. A growing number of homeowners are replacing gardens with non-permeable driveways or artificial grass, which reduces natural drainage and increases flood risk.

What You Can Do:

Aviva recommends several practical steps to make your property more flood-resilient:

• Use permeable materials like gravel or block paving.

• Keep drains clear of debris.

• Install rainwater collection systems like water butts.

• Check your flood risk status via the Environment Agency.

• Consider partial landscaping changes to improve water runoff.

“Flash floods can catch us off guard as they are sudden and harder to predict,” says Jason Storah, CEO of Aviva UK & Ireland General Insurance. “It’s important that our properties are climate-ready, regardless of where we live or work.”