Skip to main content

Storm Damage Insurance

Trusted by customers with their car and home insurance

Trustpilot

 

Not every windy day is classed as a storm. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a storm is when winds reach 55mph or higher - often with heavy rain, hail or even snow. At these speeds, winds are strong enough to break tree branches, damage roofs and cause serious disruption.

If it’s just a bit breezy, it won’t be classed as a storm, and any damage caused may not be covered.

What is storm damage?

Storm damage refers to damage caused by a storm, which is defined according to weather data as:

  • Wind of a violent gale force 10 on the Beaufort scale, reaching speeds of 55 mph or above
  • Rainfall of 25mm or more in a 24-hour period
  • Snowfall of at least 1 ft (300mm) in 24 hours
  • Hail so intense that it causes damage to hard surfaces or breaks glass

If you’ve recently weathered a storm, you may know that some of its potential effects include:

  • Damage to your roof
  • Cracks in your windows
  • Flooding on your property

How can I prevent storm damage?

While it’s not possible to stop the forces of nature and prevent storm damage completely, there are several precautions you can take to minimise the potential impact of a storm on your home.

1. Make sure your roof is in good repair

It’s a good idea to check the condition of your roof regularly, but it’s especially important before a storm. High winds can unsettle roof tiles and heavy snowfall can put weight and pressure on the roof, causing it to sag. If your roof needs repairs, assess what’s needed and have it completed before the storm hits.

2. Clean your rain gutters

During a storm, debris can build up in your rain gutters and prevent the water from flowing normally. Once they’re clear, make sure they’re fitted securely.

3. Give the trees a trim

If you’re worried that a stray branch could break off and cause damage to your home, it could be time to do some tree trimming. Get rid of any branches that seem loose or like they could be hazardous, and make sure that you’ll be safe if the winds are strong enough to topple any of the trees.

4. Secure your windows

Make sure that your windows can shut securely and are sealed properly to prevent any excess water from leaking in.

5. Unplug electronics

Protect your electronics from potential power surges by unplugging them before a storm.

What storm damage does esure cover?

Getting your home back to normal after a storm is important to us. Should you weather a storm, here’s what our insurance is designed to cover:

Damage to your buildingsYesIf you are hit by a storm*, we’ll cover the damage it causes to the structural elements of your home if you have buildings cover.
Damage to your contentsYesIf you have contents cover, we’ll cover any loss or damage to the contents in your home caused by storm*.
Water entering your home not because of storm* or floodingNoIf storm* conditions aren’t present, we can’t cover any damage caused by water entering your home
Damage caused by wear and tear or a lack of maintenanceNoOne of the reasons it’s especially important to assess your property’s condition and make any repairs before a storm is that damage that happens because of wear and tear or lack of maintenance would not be covered.
Damage to gates, hedges, or fencesNoAs these are not part of the structure or contents of your home, they are not covered against storm.
Damage to your garden, or contents kept outsideNoDamage to your garden would not be covered against storm. Storing or securing items ahead of a storm can help to prevent damage from occurring.

*By storm we mean:

  • Wind of a violent gale force 10 on the Beaufort scale, reaching speeds of 55 mph or above
  • Rainfall of 25mm or more in a 24-hour period
  • Snowfall of at least 1 ft (300mm) in 24 hours
  • Hail so intense that it causes damage to hard surfaces or breaks glass

Other Optional Extras you can get with your home insurance

Getting these great Optional Extras for your home insurance can help enhance your cover.

Personal Possession

Personal Possessions Cover

Spend a little extra to get cover for accidental loss, damage and theft of your personal possessions while they are temporarily removed from your home anywhere in the United Kingdom and for up to 60 consecutive days anywhere in the rest of the world.

Read More

Pest Cover

For a small fee you can avoid ringing around – you can claim for the call out charge and the professional extermination or control of wasps nests, hornets nests, rats, mice or grey squirrels subject to an overall limit of £150 (including VAT per claim).

For the treatment of bed bugs this cover will pay the contractors charges subject to a maximum of three treatments/extermination and an overall limit of £200 (including VAT) of bed bugs in one infested area in the Home’.

Read More

For full information, and terms and conditions on these Optional Extras please look at the policy booklet.

 

Latest from the blog

A male mechanic putting a tyre on a car
MOT backlogs in the UK - how to plan ahead and beat the rush

Autumn is the automotive rush hour for MOT bookings. If you’ve ever struggled to get an appointment before your MOT runs out, you’re not alone. A perfect storm of factors, from new car registrations to the lingering effects of COVID-19 MOT extensions, is fueling a nationwide MOT backlog.

An ev being charged
EV road trip planning

If you’re new to electric vehicle (EV) ownership, the idea of setting off on a long journey can feel a bit intimidating. You’re not alone; it’s a common misconception that EVs can barely make it to the end of the street without needing a recharge. Under that impression, the thought of a road trip might sound out of the question.

A man reading on his tablet in a hammock overlooking the ocean
Personal Possessions Insurance away from home

Planning a staycation or just spending some time away from home? Whether you’re escaping to the countryside, enjoying a beach break or visiting friends and family, it’s worth thinking about how to keep your belongings safe when you’re not at home.

insurance cover