British insurers paid more than £1.3 billion ($2.5 billion) in property claims over the third quarter, up about £200 million ($384.71 million) on a year earlier, industry figures show. 

Weather events took a notable toll, with home damage from storms, heavy rain and frozen pipes accounting for £136 million ($261.60 million) and business damage at £90 million ($173.12 million), the Association of British Insurers says.  

It was the sixth quarter in a row in which weather-related claims topped £100 million ($192.36 million).

Total property payouts for the year hit £4.1 billion ($7.89 billion) – a record for the first nine months and about 15% higher than a year earlier.  

Premiums responded, with average costs for household and building-only policies showing slight increases.  

The association expects insurers to continue a five-year loss-making trend in property, with the average claim expense about 72% higher than in the third quarter of 2017.  

ABI policy adviser Louise Clark says climate change is a major disruptor of claims costs.  

“Insurers continue to be at the forefront of climate change, supporting communities impacted by extreme weather to recover as quickly as possible,” she said.

“However, the industry cannot do this alone. The government must take action too, and more investment in flood defence and maintenance is urgently needed.”

She calls for “swift action” on surface water flooding and an immediate end to construction in high-risk areas.

“Flood prevention and resilience measures must be considered in all planning decisions and building standards – to make sure all new buildings are climate-resilient,” Ms Clark said.