ABI’s Guidance for Residents in Wildfire Zones

Following a major incident declared in Suffolk after a wildfire broke out on Dunwich Heath, and with several other active fires across the UK, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has published advice for anyone whose property has been affected. The message places safety first, urging residents to follow the directives of local authorities and emergency services.

The ABI reassures policyholders that supporting customers after fire damage – including from wildfires – is exactly what insurance is designed to do. Home insurance policies generally cover fire damage, and insurers are ready to help with emergency payments, repairs, rebuilding and, where necessary, alternative accommodation if the property is unsafe to live in.

Cover for items in the garden, such as furniture, trees, hedges, lawns and fences, can vary between policies. Some include them, others do not, so the ABI advises checking policy documents or speaking directly to your insurer. If you are evacuated as a precaution but your property has not been damaged, temporary accommodation is typically arranged through the local authority rather than your insurer.

For businesses, the ABI notes that many commercial insurance policies cover fire damage to buildings, stock, equipment and machinery, with business interruption insurance potentially covering loss of income and ongoing costs if the business must close due to insured damage. Some policies may also respond to evacuation orders, road closures or restricted access. Insurers are asked to be contacted before significant clean‑up or repair work begins, unless immediate action is needed to protect people or prevent further damage.

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What the Insurance Framework Looks Like for UK Wildfires

Why Standard Home Policies Typically Respond

Fire, including wildfire, is a standard covered peril in almost all UK home insurance contracts, which means the initial claims response should be straightforward. The ABI’s statement is less about revealing new coverage and more about closing the knowledge gap for policyholders who may not realise their policy applies. The explicit call‑out on garden items highlights a common point of confusion: contents policies usually extend to some outdoor possessions, but the limits and definitions differ, and many homeowners discover this only after a loss.

Business Coverage Nuances

For commercial properties, the trigger for business interruption cover often requires physical damage to insured premises. The ABI’s note that some policies may also respond to evacuation orders or road closures indicates that broader extensions exist but are not universal. This distinction matters for businesses whose premises remain undamaged but are forced to close because of the wider emergency response – a scenario that can fall between the cracks if the policy wording is not carefully reviewed. The guidance to consult insurers before starting clean‑up work is standard, as premature action can complicate loss assessments.

Steps to Take if Your Property Is Affected

  • Contact your insurer as soon as it is safe – they can outline the claims process, arrange emergency payments and provide practical support.
  • Check your policy for garden and outdoor cover – items like fences, hedges and garden furniture may or may not be included; your insurer can confirm what applies.
  • If you are evacuated without damage to your property, temporary accommodation is usually arranged by the local authority, not your home insurer.
  • Business owners should review their business interruption cover and speak to their insurer or broker immediately – loss of income cover may be triggered if damage forces closure, and some policies respond to evacuation orders or access restrictions.
  • Do not begin significant clean‑up or repair work before speaking to your insurer, except where immediate action is necessary to prevent further damage or to protect people.