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Does Home Insurance Cover Storm Damage?
Storm damage can strike suddenly and cause expensive repairs and major disruption for UK homeowners. With extreme weather becoming more common, it is important to understand what counts as storm damage and how your home insurance protects you. This guide explains how insurers define storm damage, what your policy typically covers, what is excluded and how to make a strong claim when severe weather hits.
What counts as storm damage in home insurance?
Storm damage refers to harm caused by violent weather. British insurers usually base their definitions on guidelines from the Met Office and the Association of British Insurers. Each insurer may define it slightly differently. However, for most claims to succeed the weather must meet specific thresholds such as:
- Wind speeds with gusts exceeding 55 mph (48 knots), indicating storm force.
- Heavy rainfall of at least 25 mm per hour.
- Snowfall accumulation reaching at least one foot (30 cm) in 24 hours.
- Hailstorms of such intensity that the impact surfaces or breaks glass or seriously damages roofs and other hard surfaces or breaks exterior finishes.
Confirming these conditions with local weather reports can prove invaluable when proving storm damage to your insurer.
Is storm damage covered by house insurance in the UK?
With climate change intensifying weather patterns, UK homeowners are experiencing storms with greater frequency and severity. In 2024 alone, British insurers paid around £585 million in weather-related damage claims.
Winter storms such as Storm Babet and Storm Éowyn demonstrated just how vulnerable homes are to extreme weather conditions, resulting in widespread structural and personal property damage.
Typical damage during UK storms includes:
- Roof damage, such as broken tiles and leaks.
- Fallen trees damaging roofs and exterior walls.
- Water ingress leading to severe internal damage.
- Disrupted electricity supply causing appliance failure and food spoilage.
Such incidents underscore the necessity of comprehensive storm damage insurance within your building insurance policy.
What does storm damage insurance cover?
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When a violent storm barrels through, two parts of most UK home-insurance packages swing into action: buildings insurance for the structure and contents insurance for what’s inside. Together, they form a safety net that protects you against heavy repair bills and the cost of replacing cherished possessions.
What does buildings insurance cover in a storm?
A solid policy for home buildings usually pays for:
- Roofs and chimney stacks: replacing broken tiles, re-bedding ridge tiles, re-seating dislodged chimney pots, and even a full re-roof if wind speeds equivalent to storm force have ripped off large sections.
- Exterior walls and masonry: repairing render, replacing damaged bricks, repointing, and sealing cavities after torrential rainfall has forced water through.
- Windows, doors and skylights: fixing or replacing glazing smashed by hail intense enough to break glass or by flying debris such as falling branches.
- Permanent outbuildings, garages and greenhouses: when specifically named in the schedule, these are covered if violent weather damages roofs, frames or hard surfaces.
- Alternative accommodation: paying hotel or rental costs when extensive damage or water ingress leaves the property uninhabitable.
- Debris removal and professional fees: covering tree surgeons, surveyors, architects and building-regulation sign-offs so you’re not out of pocket for essential extra costs.
Our buildings insurance includes an emergency call-out allowance (Home Emergency cover), ensuring work can begin immediately to prevent further structural damage.
Is storm damage covered by contents insurance?
Yes, if storm conditions cause damage inside your home, your contents insurance may pay for:
- Furniture, carpets and soft furnishings that were ruined by rain blowing through a hole in the roof.
- Electronics and white goods that were damaged by a lightning-induced power surge or spoiled by a sudden loss of electricity supply.
- Valuables such as jewellery and artwork, if they’re damaged by water or flying debris (subject to single-item limits).
- Frozen food that thaws in a prolonged outage – most insurers cover several hundred pounds, but Rivr Cover offers higher optional limits.
Other useful cover you might not expect
Some storm-related losses aren't always top of mind. These extras can help you stay protected:
- Fallen tree removal
Covers the cost of removing a tree if it falls onto your home during a storm. - Trace and access cover
Helps pay to find and access the source of a hidden leak after heavy rain. - Legal liability for damage to neighbours
If a tree on your property damages a neighbour’s home, this cover may protect you financially. - Accidental damage extensions
Covers damage that happens during repairs. For example, if a contractor accidentally cracks a window.
Suppose the primary cause of your loss meets the insurer’s official definition of storm damage. For example, wind gusts above 55 mph or hail that destroys hard surfaces or breaks roof lights, the policy normally pays for both the immediate fix and the knock-on consequences.
What doesn't storm damage cover?
Even the best policy has limits. Knowing the common exclusions helps you avoid nasty surprises when you make a claim for storm damage.
- General wear and tear: Insurers expect you to maintain your property. A poorly maintained roof, cracked render or perished flashing counts as neglect, not an insured peril.
- Broken fence panels, gates, hedges and garden furniture: high winds can flatten these items, but most standard plans exclude them unless you buy an add-on.
- Unfinished building works: A half-built extension without a waterproof membrane isn’t covered until completion and handover.
- Groundwater and surface-water flooding: Damage caused by water rising from the ground is often excluded unless you’ve paid for specialist flood cover or your home lies in a high-risk flood area covered by Flood Re.
- Business equipment and motor vehicles: Stock stored at home needs commercial insurance; cars and vans fall under motor policies, even if a tree lands on the bonnet.
- Landscaping and paving: Gravel washed away or patios cracked by frost-heave usually sit outside storm cover.
- Frozen pipes in unheated or empty homes: If you left the heating off during a cold snap, an escape-of-water claim can be turned down.
Always read the policy wording and supporting documents so you understand exactly where the border lies between insured damage and day-to-day maintenance.
How do I make a storm damage insurance claim?
1. Immediate actions (within the first few hours)
Make the property safe: Turn off electrics if water’s present, board broken windows, and put buckets under leaks.
Record the scene: Take wide-angle and close-up photos plus a short video walkthrough before you start clearing debris.
Keep damaged materials: Loose tiles, sodden carpet and smashed glass can provide vital evidence when showing exactly how and when the damage happened.
2. Notify your insurer quickly
Contact your home-insurance provider via its 24/7 helpline or online portal within 24 hours.
Give a concise description: “High winds at 02:00 blew six ridge tiles off; heavy rain followed; ceiling collapsed in lounge.”
Ask about the excess, temporary repairs and recommended contractors.
3. Gather proof of storm conditions
Download local weather reports, data from nearby weather stations, and Met Office readings showing wind speeds, rainfall totals or hail reports that match the insurer’s storm definition.
If neighbours suffered similar harm, note their details; corroboration helps defeat “wear and tear” objections and is invaluable when proving storm damage.
4. Meet the loss adjuster
Provide a schedule of loss with replacement estimates and any receipts for emergency repairs.
Walk the adjuster through the property, pointing out evidence you’ve saved.
5. Settlement and after-care
When the offer arrives, check whether you’re receiving a cash settlement or insurer-appointed contractors.
Confirm who handles VAT, whether alternative-accommodation costs remain covered, and how long workmanship guarantees last.
If you feel the decision’s unfair, use the insurer’s complaints process first, then escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service – it’s free and independent.
Five quick tips for a watertight claim
- Don’t bin damaged items before approval.
- Keep a storm diary of dates, calls and promised actions.
- Store invoices and photos in cloud storage for easy sharing.
- Use the same terminology as your policy (“storm force”, “torrential rainfall”) when explaining events.
- Check if you have no-claims protection, as one payout can otherwise raise next year’s premium.
UK-specific factors that affect your storm damage cover
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Britain’s changable climate and varied housing stock mean local nuances can affect both premiums and claims.
Regional risk profiles
Western coastal regions – Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria and the Western Isles endure frequent Atlantic lows, so insurers often set higher storm excesses.
Eastern counties face drier yet icy gales; policies may emphasise wind-damage cover rather than flood protection.
Named-storm protocols
When the Met Office names a storm – think Storm Babet or Éowyn – many insurers pre-authorise emergency trades and relax paperwork for urgent repairs. Staying tuned to official weather warnings can save valuable time.
Specialist construction materials
Thatched roofs, timber frames and listed buildings need bespoke policies because repair costs are higher and contractors scarcer.
Solar-panel or eco-roof installations can push up the rebuild cost, so check your sum insured reflects today’s prices.
Dual storm-and-flood events
One night’s weather can deliver gale-force winds plus flash flooding. Some insurers treat those as two separate perils, each with its own excess. Always confirm how yours handles combined events, and be aware that other factors, such as blocked drains, can worsen outcomes.
Building-regulation upgrades
Post-storm repairs must meet current Building Regulations, which can require thicker insulation or stronger fixings. A £3,000 tile job can morph into a £10,000 re-roof. Ensure your policy includes cover for regulation-driven extras.
Climate-change data in underwriting
Actuaries now model 30-year weather trends. Properties once considered low risk may edge into amber zones. Review your home insurance cover annually so your policy evolves with emerging weather patterns.
The Beaufort–Met Office–ABI triangle
Insurers corroborate claims using the Beaufort Scale, the nearest Met Office reading and the ABI’s official criteria. If all three align with your evidence, your case rests on solid ground; if they don’t, expect extra scrutiny.
How do I protect my home against future storm damage?
Reducing your home’s vulnerability to future storms is vital. Consider taking these proactive measures:
Regular roof inspections: Repair broken or displaced tiles promptly.
Gutter cleaning and maintenance: Prevent water damage by ensuring gutters remain clear.
Securing garden furniture and loose structures: Secure or store items susceptible to storm winds.
Installing storm shutters or reinforced windows: These protect your home against flying debris and wind-driven rain.
Trimming trees regularly: Reduce risks from falling branches or uprooted trees during high winds.
These steps help ensure your home suffers storm impacts as minimally as possible and may even lower your insurance premium.
Real-life UK case studies and examples
Successful claim: During Storm Babet, a homeowner experienced severe roof damage from wind speeds exceeding 60 mph. Their insurer covered repair costs promptly after verifying storm conditions with Met Office data.
Rejected claim: Another homeowner’s claim was refused due to prolonged neglect of their ageing roof. This underscores the importance of maintenance when seeking cover.
Optional policy extras and variations
Ask your insurance provider about these additional optional extras – they can widen your protection far beyond a standard policy:
Accidental damage cover: Protection for mishaps not included in standard policies.
Outbuildings and garages cover: Extending protection to sheds, garages and similar structures.
Enhanced contents insurance: Increased limits for high-value items.
Conclusion
By knowing how insurers define storm conditions, checking your policy wording in advance, and maintaining your property year-round, you’ll be in a far better position when a claim needs to be made.
With the appropriate cover in place, including any relevant optional extras, you can be confident your home and belongings are protected against future storm events
Rivr: Protecting your high-value home
Severe weather can cause more than just property damage. It can disrupt your life. Our high-value home insurance includes storm cover as standard, protecting your home’s structure, contents and access to emergency support when it matters most.
You’re covered for all risks, including storm damage, fire, flood, theft and accidental loss. Legal expenses, home emergency assistance and enhanced valuables cover are also all included. Every policy is tailored to the specific needs of homeowners with more to protect.
Get in touch to experience expert cover built around you.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. Rivr home insurance includes cover for storm and severe weather damage as standard, up to your policy’s sum insured. Buildings are covered up to £3,000,000 and contents and valuables up to £500,000, depending on the level of cover you choose.
This is particularly important for high-value homes, which often have unique structural features and valuable possessions. Having the right cover in place helps protect you from large repair bills and replacement costs if a storm causes damage.
An act of God generally means a natural event beyond human control, such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes or severe storms. Although many modern UK insurance policies do not use the term literally, these events are usually covered under the listed insured risks in your policy.
Insurers will expect proof that the storm directly caused the damage and that the property was maintained properly, as neglect or pre-existing damage can affect claims.
In the UK, the responsibility for repairing storm damage usually falls to the homeowner or landlord. Owners are expected to keep the property in good condition to minimise avoidable damage.
Buildings insurance generally covers the cost of repairing structural storm damage, while contents insurance covers damage to personal belongings inside the home.
Yes. Most standard buildings and contents insurance policies in the UK include cover for sudden or unexpected weather events such as storms.
This means you can usually claim for damage caused by high winds, heavy rain, hail or falling trees, provided the property has been properly maintained and not left in disrepair.
- Put safety first: make sure you and your household are safe before assessing any damage.
- Prevent further damage if it’s safe: for example, cover broken windows or secure loose items.
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible: they’ll explain what to do next, arrange emergency repairs if needed, and guide you through making a claim.
- Document the damage: take clear photos or videos and keep receipts for any urgent repairs you arrange yourself.
If you have a Rivr policy, our team is available 24/7 to support you through emergency repairs, specialist restorers, and your claim process.
