Storms in the UK are becoming more frequent – and more destructive. With 17 named storms recorded in the 2024/25 season alone, it was one of the most active years on record.
The cost of storm damage in 2024 reached a staggering £585 million, highlighting just how vulnerable our homes can be.
So, what can you do to protect your property before severe weather hits? And if your home is affected, what steps should you take to recover quickly and safely?
What is a storm?
In the world of insurance claims, we refer to a storm as a period of violent weather that includes one or more of the following:
- wind speeds with gusts of at least 55 mph
- torrential rainfall of at least 25mm per hour
- snow to a depth of at least one foot (30 cm) in 24 hours
- hail that causes damage to hard surfaces or breaks glass
To check wind speed, rainfall or temperature in your area, the Met Office has a handy map, with everything you need to know.
How do I protect my property from a storm?
High winds and heavy rain can wreak havoc on your home, causing considerable damage. You can limit the amount of damage a storm has on your property by following these precautionary measures, well before the storm hits:
- Check your roof for any loose tiles or damaged chimney pots. Make sure they are repaired, and that your TV aerial is properly secured.
- Make sure any bushes and trees are trimmed back so debris doesn’t fly into your windows.
- Clear out your gutters – you don’t want leaves creating any blockages.
- Put garden furniture and bins in the shed, if you have one. Secure anything that's loose (such as a trampoline) and bring other unsecure garden items inside.
- Park your car in a garage if possible – if you don’t have a garage, make sure it’s not sitting underneath any trees.
- If you know a storm is coming, unplug any electrical devices that aren’t necessary. That way, if lightning strikes, you shouldn't have damage from a power surge.
What to do when the storm arrives:
- It goes without saying, but make sure all your windows, doors and shutters are closed. It’s a good idea to draw your curtains, too – they could protect you if high winds smash your windows.
- Stay inside your home, never attempt to go outside to fix anything. Wait until the storm has completely gone before checking for damage.
- Avoid using any water – stick to bottled water if you can, as electricity can surge through plumbing as well as the electrics.
- Stay off your computer and avoid using anything that’s plugged into the mains.
- If you need to evacuate your home, don’t forget to turn off your gas, electricity and water.
What to do after a storm
However hard you try, sometimes the worst happens. If your home or belongings have been damaged by the storm, now's the time to contact your insurer.
If you have buildings insurance, you're typically covered for repairs to walls, roofs, driveways, patios, conservatories, and outbuildings. The amount you're insured for will depend on the level of cover you’ve chosen, so it’s worth checking your policy to make sure it meets your needs.
Check whether your home insurance includes contents cover, too. With this, the items inside your home could also be covered up to a certain amount.
When to make a claim for storm damage
It’s important to note that even if your home is damaged in a storm, your insurance might not cover the repairs if the damage is due to poor maintenance.
Issues like loose roof tiles, worn cement, or missing lead flashing around chimneys and roof edges are considered wear and tear – which means they may not be covered. Keeping your property in good shape is key to making a successful claim.
What does your insurance cover?
Not all insurance policies are the same, so check your policy before making a claim. To give you an idea, this is what we cover (and what we don’t):
✓ Damage to your buildings caused by flood
✓ Damage to your buildings caused by storm
✓ Damage caused by falling trees or branches
✓ Damage caused by falling TV aerials, radio aerials, or satellite dishes
✓ Alternative accommodation, if your home is uninhabitable after a valid claim
We don't cover:
⊗ Loss or damage due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance
⊗ Damage caused to fences, gates or hedges
⊗ Damage caused by frost to outside tanks or water pipes
⊗ Damage that occurs when your home is unoccupied for 60 days or longer
Check your excess
When you make a claim, you’ll need to pay an excess. Check how much you’ll pay for an escape of water, subsidence or other claims now, before the storm hits.
Fixing the damage
If you find yourself in need of emergency repairs to make your home safe, get in contact with a local qualified tradesperson as soon as possible. Make sure you ask for an itemised invoice and keep all the receipts.
If you can’t find a local qualified tradesperson, we recommend contacting your insurance company. They should be able to arrange a call between you and a qualified tradesperson, so you receive immediate advice.
Don’t forget to check through your policy booklet and work out if you can recover any of the costs. Plus, if the damage is extensive, take photos before it’s repaired. This should help your insurance company to settle a claim at a later date.
If your gas, water or electricity supplies are affected, get in touch with your supplier as soon as possible. You can normally find their number at the top of one of your monthly bills.
