The Met Office is predicting strong storms in the UK throughout the winter, with anticipated peaks in November and December 2026. If you are a homeowner, you might therefore be wondering whether your home insurance will cover you for storm damage.
In this post we will explain what insurers mean when they refer to “storm damage”, and explore what sort of cover usually comes as standard in home insurance policies.
What is the Definition of Storm Damage?
Storm damage is any damage that occurs to your property as a result of stormy weather, including high winds and heavy rain or snow.
Different insurers may have their own definitions of storm damage. But generally speaking, when they refer to “storm damage”, they are referring to:
- Roof damage from strong winds.
- Damage from debris, including fallen trees and power lines.
- Broken windows or other damage as a result of hail.
- Flooding as a result of overwhelmed drains.
- Fire or electrical disruptions as a result of a lightning strike.
- Structural damage as a result of snow.
What About Long-Term Storm Damage?
Sometimes, the damage may be more long-term, and not be as a direct result of the storm. For example, high winds could blow some tiles from your roof, compromising its integrity. When it rains again, water may enter your property, which over time could lead to damaged ceilings, electrical damage, and mould growth.
For cover to be applicable and for a claim to be valid, the damage needs to be easily linked back to the storm. Gradual deterioration or maintenance issues that have built up over a period of time are not covered by insurance.
Does Home Insurance Cover Storm Damage?
Yes, most home insurance policies will cover storm damage as standard. However, there may be some exceptions to the cover, so be sure to read the policy details to get a full idea of what exactly is and is not covered.
It is also important to differentiate between buildings insurance and contents insurance. Your buildings insurance will cover most types of storm damage to your home, whereas your contents insurance will cover any items of furniture or other belongings that may get lost, destroyed, or damaged as a result of a storm.
What Storm Damage is Not Covered By Home Insurance?
There may be some exceptions or limits to your storm damage cover, including:
- Storm definition – Some insurers will specify the exact conditions that constitute a storm. They may specify, for example, that wind speeds must exceed 55 mph in order for a spate of bad weather to qualify as a storm. If the weather does not meet this threshold, then it may not trigger your home insurance storm cover.
- Maintenance issues – Your home insurance policy will not cover you for general wear and tear. For example, if elements of your home, such as your roof or your windows, were already in a poor condition, then your insurance will probably not cover you for any further damage caused by a storm. Nor will it cover you for water damage from overflowing gutters if your gutters were blocked to begin with.
- Gradual damage – If a long period of relatively high winds or wet weather leads to slow and gradual deterioration, then it is very unlikely that you will be able to claim for storm damage. Your insurer will probably point out that you could have taken steps to secure your property against an extended spell of bad weather.
- Flood damage – Storms can often contribute to flooding, but your insurer may not consider damage from flooding as “storm damage”. You may need dedicated flood insurance to cover any issues arising from water entry.
- The garden – Your home insurance policy may not cover you for storm damage to your fences, gates, or garden furniture, and it may not extend to outdoor structures such as sheds, greenhouses, and decking.
Protecting Your Home Against Storm Damage
You will find a full guide to protecting your home against storm damage on our site. This includes steps you can take to manage or mitigate any potential storm damage should the Met Office issue a storm warning.
Beyond this, there are certain things you can do to help reduce the impact of storm damage, while making it more likely that you can make a successful claim on your home insurance policy:
- Stay on top of your home maintenance, so as to ensure that everything is as secure and watertight as possible in case of severe weather.
- Following a storm, thoroughly inspect your home inside and out. Document any damage you find, and take pictures just in case you ever need to provide any evidence.
- Act quickly to repair any storm damage, no matter how mild. This will help to prevent any further issues from developing, for which you may not be able to claim.
We Can Help You Protect Your Home From Storm Damage and Other Risks
James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with extensive experience in helping individuals protect their assets. We can help you find suitable home insurance cover to protect your property against storm damage, and other risks.