Storm Damage & Insurance: Are You Covered?

Severe weather can cause a lot of damage very quickly, from missing roof tiles and leaks to cars hit by falling debris or floodwater. 

With Storm Chandra bringing disruption and flooding across the nation, it is no surprise that people are checking what their insurance covers.

We are advising homeowners and drivers to take a few simple steps now, so you are not scrambling later if you need to make a claim.

Main points

• Storm Chandra has caused disruption across the UK, including flooding and dangerous travel conditions in some areas.
  
• Home insurance often covers storm damage, but coverage depends on your policy wording, limits, and exclusions.
  
• Insurers usually expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage and keep evidence of emergency repairs.
  
• Storm damage to cars is usually covered under comprehensive policies, but you should check your terms, especially for floodwater.
  
• If you disagree with a storm claim decision, you can complain to the insurer first, then take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service if needed.
  

What should I do straight after storm damage?

If your home or car is damaged, the best approach is calm and practical. Follow these tips to keep a cool head and prevent things escalating further:

Stay safe first

Avoid risky repairs in high winds, flooding, or where there may be structural issues. If there are official floor warnings in your area, follow them and avoid travel where possible.

Prevent further damage if you can

Insurers generally expect you to take reasonable steps to stop the damage from getting worse. This might mean a temporary tarp over a leak, turning off the water, or moving belongings away from a flooded area. Make sure to also keep receipts for any emergency work you carry out in case you can claim any damages back.

Document everything

• Photos and videos from multiple angles
  
• A list of what is damaged
  
• Dates and times if you can
  
• Receipts for emergency repairs, temporary accommodation, or replacements

Make contact with us or your insurer ASAP

Don’t hesitate to contact us or your insurer. Even if you are unsure whether it is covered, asking early helps you avoid doing something that could complicate the claim.

How do I make a storm damage claim?

Most claims follow a similar pattern:

• Report the damage as soon as you can
  
• Share photos, videos, and a clear description
  
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs
  
• Do not throw away damaged items until you are told it is okay
  
• If you arrange emergency repairs, keep them temporary and reasonable, and tell the insurer promptly

If the claim is delayed or you are worried about service standards during major weather events, the FCA publishes reminders to insurers about the need to manage storm and flood claims effectively when demand spikes.

What if my storm claim is rejected?

Storm claim disputes are common, especially around whether damage was caused by a storm, or whether it is wear and tear.

If you disagree with a decision:

1. Raise a complaint with the insurer first
   
2. If you are still unhappy, you may be able to take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service

Does my home insurance cover storm damage?

Often, yes, but the detail varies by insurer and policy. Let’s unpack the home insurance types you’ll need to think about in the event of a storm:

Buildings insurance

Buildings cover is usually for the structure of the home. That can include storm damage to things like the roof, walls, and fixed fittings, depending on the wording and the cause of loss. Many mainstream home policies include storm damage, but you still need to check what your policy says.

Contents insurance

Contents cover is for your belongings, for example, furniture, carpets, electronics, and personal items damaged by water coming into the property following storm damage. What counts and what limits apply depends on the policy.

What to check in your documents

We always advise homeowners to check their buildings and contents policy documents and schedule for exclusions and conditions. The sections that tend to catch people out are:

• Wear and tear or poor maintenance (for example a long term roof issue that finally leaks in a storm)
  
• Gradual damage (damp that has been building for months)
  
• Unoccupied home conditions (stricter rules if the home is empty for a set period)
  
• Limits for fences, outbuildings, and garden items (these are often capped, or treated differently)
  

If you cannot find the answer quickly, you can always contact us so we can point you to the relevant section.

Does car insurance cover storm damage?

It depends on your level of cover and your car insurance policy terms. Let’s unpack the main cover levels for your car:

Comprehensive cover

Comprehensive insurance is usually the broadest level of coverage and typically includes storm-related damage to your car, such as hail, falling branches, or flooding.  Even if you have comprehensive cover, it is sensible to check your wording. For example, some policies may have conditions around driving through floodwater. 

Third-party, fire and theft

This often covers fire and theft, as well as damage you cause to others. It may not cover storm damage to your own vehicle, unless your policy specifically includes it.

Third party only

This typically does not cover damage to your own car from storms.

Our top storm safety tips

Secure any garden furniture and loose items

Bring in what you can, and weigh down or anchor bigger items.

Keep up with maintenance checks

Clear gutters, check for loose tiles, and deal with small issues before they become major leaks.

Prepare an emergency kit

Torch, batteries, phone power bank, first aid kit, water, and a few essentials.

Keep important documents handy

Have your insurance details accessible so you can act quickly if you need to claim.