From Storm Babet to Storm Kathleen, we’ve seen a lot of major storms over the past few years causing damage to homes.
We share our advice how to be prepared for stormy weather, how to protect your home, and what you’re covered for on your home insurance.
What’s a storm?
Insurers normally have a specific definition of what they class as a storm.
How to check if a storm is coming
In the UK, we name storms to help alert the public and create awareness.
You can also check any weather warnings issued by the Met Office either on their website or through their Twitter account.
Weather warnings explained
Preparing your home for a storm
So, how do you actually prepare for a storm? Here are some steps to take to help protect your home.
Close all windows and doors
Close and fasten all windows, skylights and doors to stop rain from getting in. This also helps prevent any panicked pets from getting out.
Check the roof
You should check your roof regularly as part of general home maintenance. But it’s particularly important to check for and fix any missing, loose or damaged tiles before a storm.
If you don’t feel comfortable fixing any damage yourself, get a professional in.
It’s important to remember that damage to your roof that’s caused by general wear and tear won’t be covered on your home insurance policy.
Check your pipes for leaks
We refer to leaking pipes as ‘escape of water’. Read more about escape of water here, and find out what steps you can take to avoid water damage.
Keep gutters free
You can minimise the chances of clogged gutters by clearing them ahead of time. Gutters aren’t covered by home insurance if they’re damaged because of poor maintenance.
Find out how to clean your gutters.
Secure outdoor furniture
Reduce the risk of damage to your outdoor items and your home by securing your furniture in advance.
If possible, it’s safest to store them in your shed or an outbuilding. Don’t forget other loose items, like rubbish bins.
Read our guide on how to prepare your garden for a storm.
Secure your fence
Most home insurance policies (including ours) don't cover gates, fencing or hedges, so you won’t be able to make a claim if a storm damages them.
We recommend fixing all panels securely in place and checking your gate works and is closed.
Read our guide on how to prevent storm damage to fencing.
Clear branches
Branches can easily snap or break off and cause damage during strong winds, so prune any trees on your home in advance.
You should hire a professional tree surgeon if you have big trees or can't do this yourself.
Park your car safely
Park your car in a safe place, such as a garage. Avoid parking underneath trees, tiles or anything that can become loose debris in the wind.
This is especially important if flooding is forecast – read our guide on how to prepare for flooding.
Prepare a home emergency kit
We recommend putting together a home emergency kit in advance in case there are power cuts or any other domestic emergencies. Keep it somewhere accessible.
It should include, at least:
- a torch
- spare batteries
- a first-aid kit, including any medication that you or your family might need to take
- warm clothes
- important documents
- a portable charger
What to do if a storm damages your home
The most important thing is to stay safe. Follow the local council or the emergency services’ instructions.
If you’re told to leave your home, only return to it if you’re told it’s safe.
Get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible to register your claim and get the process started.
Head to our storm weather hub to find out more about what to do during a storm and what to check afterwards.
Does home insurance cover storm damage?
Your home insurance should cover you for damage caused by storms.
For instance, we cover things like:
- wind damage
- water damage
- damage caused by snow or hail
However, we don’t cover storm damage to fences or hedges, and you won’t be covered if the storm doesn’t meet the definitions we’ve outlined above.
Always check your policy documents to see what you are and aren’t covered for to be safe.
If you need to make a claim, head to MyAccount or our make a claim page.
What's Home Emergency Extra cover?
If you have Home Emergency Extra cover, you might be covered for a temporary repair after storm damage.
In storms or bad weather, it can cover you for roof damage or damage to your doors or locks if your home becomes unsecure.
You need to report incidents to us within 48 hours to be covered.
Home Emergency Extra cover comes as standard in our Platinum home insurance policies and can be added to the Admiral and Gold levels of cover too.
