Storm damage insurance

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Weather and storm damage

High winds and storms – and the problems they cause – are becoming a regular feature of UK winters. Gales are the most common cause of damage and disruption, according to the Met Office, with storm damage in the UK costing around £300 million each year.

Wondering if storm damage insurance is included in your home insurance policy? Learn what’s covered and how to protect your home from unexpected weather damage. Compare policies today to search for the right cover for your needs.

Is storm damage covered by home insurance?

If you have a buildings and contents insurance policy for your home, it will almost certainly cover some level of weather or storm damage in the UK.

This means that if your home suffers storm and wind damage, your insurance provider should cover the cost of repairs. It’s likely that they’ll also provide alternative accommodation cover. This means you’ll have a safe place to stay if your home is unfit to live in while repair works are carried out.

What is weather and storm damage insurance?

Weather and storm damage insurance is typically included as standard in home insurance policies, both buildings and contents. It could help cover repairs or rebuilding costs if a storm damages your home:

Storm damage under your buildings insurance should cover the main structure of your home including the roof, ceilings, walls, windows and doors
Storm damage under your contents insurance should cover everything in your home including furniture, carpets and personal belongings if they’re damaged or destroyed by a storm.

What can I claim for after a storm?

Typically, the storm damage insurance on your policy can cover the following issues resulting from hail, wind, rain, snow or ice:

Roof damage
Water damage
Wind damage
Sewer back-up
Frozen pipes
Damage caused by falling trees
Loss of power.

What can’t I claim for after a storm?

You may find there are some things you can’t claim for after a storm. Typical exclusions include:

Hedges, fences and gates (although sheds and outbuildings may be covered up to a certain limit)
Damage due to poor maintenance or general wear and tear – for example, if water enters your home through a poorly maintained roof.

Exclusions can vary between insurance providers though. Check your policy wording carefully to see exactly what is and isn’t covered.

Proving storm damage for a claim

It’s worth noting that it can be tricky to prove storm damage when claiming on your storm damage insurance. That’s because storms have an official definition when it comes to insurance.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a storm is a period of violent weather defined as:

Wind speeds with gusts of at least 48 knots (55mph) equivalent to Storm Force 10 on the Beaufort Scale; OR
Torrential rainfall at a rate of at least 25mm per hour; OR
Snow to a depth of at least one foot (30cm) in 24 hours; OR
Hail of such intensity that it causes damage to hard surfaces or breaks glass.

But each insurance provider will have its own definition of what a storm is. This should be listed in your policy documents.

You might consider high winds and heavy rainfall to be stormy conditions, but your insurance provider may not agree. Some providers will use local weather station data to assess the conditions at the time your home suffered storm or wind damage.

The Beaufort Scale states that ‘light structural damage’, such as tiles being blown from your roof, could occur at 47mph+ winds.

But many insurance providers stipulate that it’s not a storm unless winds reach at least 55mph. At this point, considerable structural wind damage is possible, according to the Beaufort Scale.

If you find yourself in a claim dispute with your provider about whether damage was caused by a ‘storm’, you could make a complaint and request the Financial Ombudsman to intervene.

What damage should I look for after a storm?

First of all, wait until the storm has passed before assessing any damage. Only start checking when it’s safe to do so.

Take photos or videos of the damage. This could help support your claim and show assessors the extent of the damage. Anything that compromises the safety of your home should be a top priority.

As well as obvious damage, you may want to check:

The roof – look for damaged and misplaced tiles, as well as gaps in the roof structure
Windows and doors – damaged entry points could be a security threat, so will need to be repaired as soon as possible
Walls – look out for wide, or diagonal, stepped cracks in the walls after a storm. This could indicate structural damage and will need to be inspected by a professional.

Remember, when checking for damage, don’t do anything that could put you or your household at risk. There could still be a risk of falling trees, debris or masonry. Be especially careful around exposed electrical wires or telephone cables. You may need to switch off your home’s gas, electricity or water supplies.

What do I need to make a storm insurance claim?

To make a storm damage insurance claim:

1. Contact your insurance provider as soon as you notice any storm, water or wind damage.

2. Avoid moving anything or clearing up before you’ve taken photos of the storm damage to support your insurance claim. Where the damage is extensive, your home insurance provider will likely send someone out to assess the situation.

3. Gather receipts or proof of purchase for damaged items you wish to claim for. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t have them, but they do tend to make the process easier.

4. Unless they’re dangerous, don’t throw out any damaged items before speaking to your insurance provider, in case they can be repaired.

5. You may want to arrange for temporary, emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse. Check with your insurance provider and keep all receipts as part of your claim.

6. If your home is not safe to stay in, your insurance provider may pay for alternative accommodation. But you’ll need to provide evidence, so keep any receipts relating to accommodation and living expenses.

What can I do to protect my property?

If your home hasn’t been well-maintained, your insurance provider might not pay out for a storm damage insurance claim.

Here are a few simple things you can do, to protect your home and belongings:

Check water pipes regularly and repair any leaks – no matter how small
Make sure your home is properly insulated
Keep your gutters intact and free from debris
Trim back any plants and trees growing near your property.

Plan ahead

If you know there’s a storm brewing:

Store your garden furniture away
Secure any loose items outside your property like ladders, bins, trampolines and toys
Park your car somewhere safe to protect it from falling tiles or trees
Shut your windows and doors
Charge your mobile phone and battery packs
Keep essential documents like passports, driving licences and insurance details close to hand
If you live in a flood-risk area, try to move essential or valuable items upstairs, or high up on the ground floor
Keep everyone in your household, including pets, safe indoors until the storm has passed.

What if I need to carry out emergency repairs?

If anything needs to be fixed urgently, you might not be able to wait for your insurance provider to arrange a repair.

In this case, you’ll need to hire a professional to tackle the problem. Make sure you keep receipts, to claim the cost back from your insurance provider at a later date.

Remember, it’s never worth cutting corners to find a cheaper tradesperson. Any repair work that puts your home at further risk could end up costing you more in the long run.

Is storm damage insurance worth it?

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a record £585 million was paid out for weather-related damage to people’s homes and possessions in 2024. So having insurance could definitely be worth it.

Storm damage is covered by most standard home insurance policies.

How much does home insurance cost?

51% of people could achieve an annual buildings and contents insurance premium^[1] of less than
£213

51% of people could achieve an annual contents insurance premium^[2] of less than
£64

51% of people could achieve an annual buildings insurance premium^[3] of less than
£198

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^[1]51% of our customers were quoted less than £212.95 for their buildings and contents home insurance in March 2025.

^[2]51% of our customers were quoted less than £63.24 for their contents home insurance in March 2025.

^[3]51% of our customers were quoted less than £198.00 for their buildings home insurance in March 2025.

What do I need to get a quote?

We can help you find the right insurance policy to suit your needs and budget. All we need is some information about you and your home. This would include information like the type of roof you have and your home’s rebuild value.

We’ll then provide you with a list of suitable quotes to choose from, in price order.

What our expert says...

“Our research reveals that the UK ranks third out of the top 10 European countries most at risk of climate-related home damage.

“Storms like Eunice, Ciarán and Éowyn hitting the UK have cost millions in flood and wind damage. So, it’s good to know what storm damage you’re covered for.

“Even more so if you live in a high-risk flood area or have a home that’s more prone to weather damage, like a thatched cottage. You may want to check your insurance policy to ensure it meets your needs, should any damage occur.”

- Anna McEntee, Home, pet and travel insurance expert

Why use Compare the Market?

51% of customers could save up to £202 on their home insurance premium^[4]

Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot^[5]

^[4]Based on online independent research by Consumer Intelligence during March 2025, 51% of customers could achieve this saving on their Buildings and Contents insurance through Compare the Market.

^[5] As of July 8th 2025, Compare the Market had an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 93,668 people who left a review on Trustpilot. The score 4.9 corresponds to the Star Label ‘Excellent’.

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Based on 28,737 reviews, customers who bought Home insurance rated our comparison service 4.7 out of 5.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the rebuild value of my home?

The rebuild value is the amount it would cost to rebuild your home from scratch, if it was destroyed by fire, flood or a storm.

Can I get insurance if my home’s in a flood risk area?

Yes, you could get insurance if your home is in a flood risk area, but you’ll likely pay a higher premium since your property is a riskier prospect to insure. You might also find that you’re limited in terms of insurance providers who are willing to offer you a policy.

However, you may be eligible for the Flood Re scheme. This is a joint initiative between the government and insurance providers to help people living in flood-risk areas find affordable home insurance.

What if I can't live in my home?

If your home is uninhabitable, your insurance provider is likely to organise alternative accommodation for you. This is usually covered as standard on your home insurance policy up to a set limit. Double check with your insurance provider if you’re unsure.