Emapsite launches postcode-level UK windstorm peril model

The windstorm data is available as a discrete data set and through an on-demand data-hub location content platform.

The new model provides a detailed perspective into the distribution of risk based on the latest Met Office data tracking the most extreme winds.

It has been created through close liaison with insurance sector clients and provides postcode-sector level granularity along with detailed risk scoring.

Simon Goodwin, emapsite’s Business Development Manager for the banking, finance and insurance sectors, said: “Our windstorm model has been purpose-designed to incorporate high resolution data from the Met Office’s Euro Windstorm hazard maps. It means we can supply clients with an easy-to-implement postcode sector indexed flat file (.csv) structure and scoring methodology. The model covers all of the UK, including Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

“Its currency and level of detail means insurers can enjoy greater confidence in the rationale behind decisions on risk selection, valuation, pricing and accumulations.

“They can also realise business value from shorter quotation times and, because it is a hosted solution, they no longer have to manage their own potentially costly data stacks and IT deployments.”

Nick Moody, Business Manager for Insurance and Capital Markets at the Met Office, said: “Windstorm is potentially the most costly natural peril in the UK. Our high resolution hazard maps are based on a detailed 35-year reanalysis dataset of extreme gust values, giving a robust view of location and severity for the most commonly researched return periods. We are delighted to be working with emapsite to make this analysis accessible and easily used for risk research and underwriting.”

The emapsite Windstorm model is the latest in a growing suite of peril modelling data on the emapsite platform gathered from a mix of licensed, open and proprietary sources.

In September 2015, emapsite launched a property crime dataset highlighting a normalised risk score per postcode for burglary, arson, criminal damage, vandalism and theft, and in October 2015 launched the Subsitree property-level subsidence dataset. Emapsite also supplies best-in-class property-level flood risk data, covering river, coastal and surface water.