The Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters is urging loss adjusters to submit more large fire and flood claims to the relaunched RISCAuthority Large Loss Database, as the UK experiences one of its most severe wildfire seasons on record.

Parts of England have reached the highest possible fire risk rating this summer, highlighting the importance of claims data in identifying emerging risks and informing fire safety policy.

The Large Loss Database pools UK fire and flood claims data to identify risk trends, support fire safety research and provide evidence that insurers and fire safety bodies can use when engaging with government on building regulations and fire and rescue service policy.

According to CILA submissions have declined in recent years, despite major losses continuing to occur.

Paul Redington, deputy chair of CILA's Property Special Interest Group, said: "This summer's wildfire activity is a timely reminder of how quickly fire risk, for example, can escalate and evolve. The insurance industry's ability to understand and respond to that and other risks depends in part on the quality and completeness of the data it has to work with.

"Loss adjusters are often the first professionals on site after a major fire or flood, and the detail captured assists in shaping the guidance and regulation that helps protect lives and property in the future. We're asking adjusters to ensure that they make submission a routine part of every qualifying claim."

The database was relaunched in July with the number of data fields cut from more than 400 to around 40 and a greater focus on emerging risks, including lithium-ion battery fires and sustainable construction materials. Commercial property claims worth more than £100,000, or those involving a fatality, qualify for submission.

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