Winter insurance risks every business should prepare for

Winter brings festive spirit, but it also brings some of the most challenging conditions of the year for businesses. From frozen pipes to storm damage, icy roads, seasonal shutdowns and increased theft risks, winter can pose significant threats to premises, vehicles and ongoing trading.

For driving instructors, motor traders, landlords, commercial vehicle operators and general business owners, understanding winter risks – and taking steps to minimise them – is essential for safety, continuity and protecting your future insurance premiums.

Why managing winter risk matters

Insurance should never be the first line of defence. If a claim can be avoided through good risk management, businesses may benefit from:

• Reduced chances of costly interruption
• Lower long-term insurance premiums
• Greater safety for staff, customers and visitors
• Protecting brand reputation

Many winter claims are preventable – which makes planning and prevention key.

Common winter insurance risks and how to manage them

We’ve rounded up some of the most common winter risks and shared practical tips to help you reduce them. Please note, this is general guidance and not a substitute for professional advice from organisations such as RoSPA, the Environment Agency or other relevant bodies.

Frozen and burst pipes in commercial properties

Low temperatures can freeze water in pipework, causing ruptures and major water damage when the ice thaws. These claims are among the most common (and expensive) winter losses for landlords and business owners.

Common causes:

• Poor insulation
• No heating during closures
• Unoccupied premises
• Undetected slow leaks

How to reduce the risk:

• Keep heating on low (12–15°C) in cold snaps
• Lag pipes and water tanks
• Install leak detection or smart water-shutoff devices
• Drain systems if buildings will be fully closed
• Check lofts, basements and remote areas regularly
• Know where the stopcock is

For landlords, ensuring tenants know these steps – and including obligations in tenancy agreements – is vital.

Unoccupied offices during Christmas shutdown

Many businesses power down over Christmas and assume nothing will go wrong – but insurers often see the opposite. Water leaks, burst pipes, break-ins and unnoticed damage can go undetected for days.

Risk-reducing actions:

• Formal shutdown procedures
• Inspection during closure where possible
• Maintain minimum heating levels
• Ensure security systems are working
• Remove cash and portable equipment
• Advise insurers if a building will be unoccupied for extended periods (insurers sometimes require notification beyond 30 days.)

Driving risks: icy roads, reduced visibility and increased accident potential

Driving instructors, motor traders, commercial fleet owners and business owners with company vehicles face higher accident risk in winter due to:

• Snow and ice
• Standing water
• Reduced daylight
• Black ice
• High winds
• Fog

Protective measures:

• Winter tyres where appropriate
• Ensure vehicle servicing is up to date
• Stock emergency kits (torches, blankets, visibility gear)
• Encourage defensive driving practices
• Plan routes to avoid high-risk areas
• Allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary journeys

Driving instructors face an additional challenge during tests – learner drivers already operate at the edge of their skill level. Demonstrating risk assessments and safe operational planning helps strengthen insurance defensibility in the event of a claim.

Flood risk – not just a coastal problem

Rainfall spikes and snowmelt can cause:

• Flooding of workshops and offices
• Water ingress into commercial vehicles
• Damage to equipment, stock or computer systems
• Disruption to trading

Risk reduction steps:

• Use flood barriers or sandbags if in a known flood area
• Store valuable items off ground level
• Install non-return valves on drainage where possible
• Check guttering and roof drainage regularly
• Ensure staff know emergency evacuation procedures

Motor traders should prioritise safe vehicle storage and review policies to ensure flood cover is included – as some policies exclude it unless specified.

Storm damage to buildings and yards

High winds, falling trees and flying debris frequently cause insurance claims over winter.

Preventative checks

• Inspect roof tiles, flashing and fixings
• Secure signage and external displays
• Trim trees and remove dead branches
• Store loose items indoors or secure them
• Check cladding, gates and fencing

Not only does this help to reduce claims, it can prevent indirect losses such as lost trading hours, staff safety incidents and emergency repairs at peak periods.

Increased theft & crime risks over winter

The early nights mean more hours of darkness – ideal for opportunistic crime. Motor traders, landlords and businesses storing vehicles or high-value assets are particularly at risk.

Prevention measures:

• CCTV and motion-triggered lighting
• Good perimeter security
• Secure keys in industry-approved safes
• Remove valuables from vehicles overnight
• Alarm systems linked to monitoring services
• Shuttered windows and reinforced entry points

Keep security maintenance logs – insurers often request proof after a claim.

Christmas-related risks

The festive season may be enjoyable but it also brings unique hazards:

For businesses:

• Electrical fires from temporary lighting
• Increased waste leading to fire risk
• Distracted staff and shortcuts on safety
• Higher customer footfall risks in retail settings

For landlords:

• Tenants away during cold spells
• Increased heating and electrical demand
• Alcohol-related fire and damage issues

Risk controls:

• PAT test temporary electrics
• Avoid overloading sockets
• Keep escape routes clear
• Remind tenants to maintain heating
• Carry out extra checks before closure

Industry-specific winter risk focus

Driving instructors:

• Dangerous road conditions for learners
• Higher chance of collisions and injury
• Last-minute test cancellations
• Increased demand for vehicle maintenance

Key priority: Extra caution, tyre and brake checks and recording pre-lesson vehicle inspections can help protect against liability.

Motor traders:

• Flooding or storm damage to forecourts
• Vehicles damaged in high winds or ice
• Theft in darker hours

Key priority: Secure vehicle storage, reinforced security and ensuring policy wording specifically protects stock vehicles in the open.

Landlords:

• Unoccupied or poorly heated properties
• Tenant negligence
• Burst pipes and water claims

Key priority: Clear heating requirements in tenancy agreements and proactive communication before cold snaps.

Commercial vehicle owners:

• Road accidents
• Breakdown delays
• Greater risk of lost deliveries or missed appointments

Key priority: Regular vehicle servicing, winter tyres and journey planning with built-in contingency.

General business owners:

• Premises left vacant during shutdowns
• Storm damage
• Business interruption

Key priority: Formal winter risk plans and checking whether insurance policies include business interruption cover.

Final word: prevention pays

Winter insurance claims are common, costly and often avoidable. Whether you’re a landlord, driving instructor, motor trader or business owner, taking simple proactive steps now can help you to avoid a headache tomorrow.

If you’d like help reviewing your winter insurance cover or checking whether your policies include the right protection, now is the perfect time to act – before the temperature drops. Simply give our team a call on 01233 222 562 and we’d be happy to assist with any questions.