30 Years ago: Cost of fire damage hits £1m a day in Great Britain
The estimated cost of fire damage in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) in 1979 was £355.3m, representing an increase of about 15% over the 1978 figure (£309.3m) and averaging close on £1m a day throughout the year.
There were 42 fires during the year, each estimated at £1m or more (38 in 1978) and a total of 945 fires cost more than £35 000 (897 in 1978). Commenting on the figures John Williamson, chairman of
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@postonline.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.postonline.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
More on Claims
Demand for unemployment cover doubles
Consumer interest in unemployment insurance more than doubled during 2025, according to data from Best Insurance, signaling growing anxiety about UK job security.
Meta and YouTube case creates multi-line risk for insurers
A Los Angeles jury’s decision that Meta and YouTube are liable for harms associated with addictive platform design has far reaching implications for insurers, according to Jonathan Edwards, partner at HCR Law.
Storm damage claims test insurers’ settlement choices
A year of severe storms has strained repair networks and claims operations, which Ben Blain, head of property at Verisk Claims, points out has placed insurers’ settlement decisions, data oversight and ability to evidence fair customer outcomes firmly under the regulatory spotlight.
Why AI should never make insurance claims decisions
As the mass roll-out of artificial intelligence in insurance continues at break neck speed, Ross Sinclair, founder and CEO at embedded insurance technology provider EIP, discusses one area of insurance that AI needs to be kept away from: claims decisions.
Managing the ‘forever risk’ of PFAS
How PFAS, often called “forever chemicals”, is creating one of the most complex and far-reaching environmental risks for insurers today is the topic of the latest Insurance Post Podcast.
Road safety reform must not overlook life after an accident
Trade Voice: Sue Brown, chair of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society, argues that victims of road traffic collisions must be front and centre in mind in policy discussions.
Home insurers heading for losses this year
UK home insurers are expected to be lossmaking in 2026 due to market and geopolitical pressures, according to the latest EY home insurance results analysis.
Flood support gaps that insurers can’t afford to ignore
Flood victims face prolonged financial strain and unmet mental health needs, a survey has shown, placing fresh scrutiny on how insurers handle claims, vulnerability and post-loss support.