It's not a British winter without a couple of stormy spells. We know that bad weather can leave a trail of chaos in its wake and our homes may feel the brunt of it. With this in mind, it's important to know exactly what your home insurance cover includes.
Our handy guide will address key questions about storm damage insurance and what this might cover. We're here to keep the wind in your sails.
Does home insurance cover storm damage?
Yes, our buildings insurance covers the structure of your home against storm damage. Alternative accommodation insurance can help you pay for the cost of finding somewhere to stay if your home becomes unsafe to live in due to a claim.
You should make sure to check any exclusions with your insurance provider.
What is storm or weather damage insurance?
Most home insurance policies cover financial loss caused by stormy weather. We deem the following as extreme weather:
- Strong winds
- Thunder
- Lightning
- Heavy snow (occasionally)
You may want to refer to the Met Office to find out about storms in your area.
There are a few things to think about when it comes to our buildings insurance. Full exclusions can be found in your policy wording.
What can I claim for after a storm?
You'll need to let your insurer know what damage has been done to your home before they can help. Some common examples of property damage as a result of a storm include:
- Roof tiles or slates dislodged or missing
- Entire roofs lifted off
- Damage caused by fallen trees
- Water damage inside your home
- Sewer back-up
What do I need to do to claim on storm insurance?
There are plenty of ways to contact us depending on your home insurance policy.
If you need to make an urgent claim, you can use our 24/7 claims helpline. Non-urgent claims can be made online.
When you register your claim, we'll ask for details like:
- What happened
- What part of your home is damaged
- Which rooms have been affected
- If your home is secure
- If there are any issues with your water or electricity supply
- How much you're quoted to fix the damage
- Photographs of the damage
It's often a good idea to check what policy you have with us before getting in touch. If you're unsure, your policy wording is usually the best place to start.
Is a blown-over fence covered by home insurance?
Our cover doesn't include storm damage to fences, hedges, or gates. Damage from normal use or ageing, including fading or corrosion, is also not covered.
You should check with your insurance provider to see whether they insure any of these.
Does home insurance cover roof leaks?
Our home insurance only covers roof leaks if a storm causes it. Home emergency may also respond to help make your property watertight. Remember, you'll need to add this cover to your policy. If you're an existing customer with us, read your policy schedule for full cover details.
Leaking guttering or loose roof tiles due to normal use or ageing or lack of maintenance are not covered.
Protecting your home from a storm
Fear not. There are a number of simple steps you can take to protect your home before and during a storm.
Discover our 8 top tips that could help you out.
What if I need to carry out emergency repairs?
With home emergency cover, you can use a 24-hour helpline to get help with urgent repairs after a storm.
Our Extra home insurance cover level includes up to £1,000 per home emergency claim as standard. You can also add this cover to Essentials and Standard policies.
Again, if you’re an existing customer with us, you can read your policy schedule for full cover details.
Storm damage insurance
Our weather can be hard to predict, so it's important to choose the right level of cover for your home. You should also take time to understand what your policy includes.
Being clued up on your insurance may help give you extra peace of mind when storms hit.
