Yes, most home insurance policies do cover storm damage, but the devil’s in the details. Wind speed thresholds, maintenance requirements, and policy exclusions can make or break your claim when you need it most.
With UK storms becoming more frequent and severe, understanding your storm damage insurance isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Let’s break down everything you need to know about storm damage insurance.
TL;DR
- Most UK home insurance policies include storm coverage as standard
- Wind speeds typically need to exceed 55 mph to qualify as a “storm”
- Regular maintenance is crucial, wear and tear isn’t covered
- Act quickly after damage occurs to maximize your claim success
- Consider your property’s location and specific risks when choosing coverage
What actually counts as storm damage?
Before we dive into coverage, let’s clarify what insurers mean by “storm damage.” It’s not just any bit of bad weather that causes problems.
Insurance definition of a storm typically includes:
- Wind speeds of at least 55 mph
- Heavy rainfall causing sudden damage
- Hail that damages property
- Snow causing structural damage
- Lightning strikes
Common storm damage causes
| Cause | How it happens | Typical damage |
|---|---|---|
| Roof tiles blown off by high winds | Winds exceeding 47-55 mph can lift and displace roof tiles, especially on older or poorly maintained roofs | Exposed roof structure, water ingress, damaged gutters, interior water damage |
| Falling trees damaging structures | Strong winds can uproot trees or snap branches, causing them to fall onto buildings, cars, or other structures | Roof damage, broken windows, structural damage to walls, blocked access routes |
| Water damage from storm-breached roofs | Once roof tiles are displaced or windows broken, heavy rainfall can pour directly into your home | Ceiling damage, ruined carpets and furniture, electrical damage, mould growth |
| Hail breaking glass or damaging gutters | Large hailstones can crack windows, skylights, conservatories, and dent or damage guttering systems | Broken windows, damaged conservatory roofs, blocked or damaged gutters, exterior property damage |
| Flying debris hitting your property | Storm winds can turn garden furniture, roof materials, and other objects into projectiles that strike buildings | Impact damage to walls, broken windows, damaged doors, exterior cladding damage |
Crucially, there’s a difference between storm damage and wear and tear. If your roof was already dodgy and finally gave way during stormy weather, that’s maintenance issues, not storm damage.
What storm damage does home insurance cover?
Most UK home insurance policies include storm damage as standard, but cover depends on your policy type. Buildings insurance is designed to cover the structure of your home, whereas contents insurance will protect your personal property and belongings. Here’s some examples of what’s protected under each type of cover:
| Buildings insurance covers | Contents insurance covers |
|---|---|
| Roof damage from high winds or fallen trees | Furniture and belongings damaged by storm-related water ingress |
| Structural damage to walls, foundations, and windows | Electronics damaged by power surges from lightning |
| Gutters and roof tiles damaged by extreme weather | Garden furniture blown about or damaged by falling trees |
| Outbuildings like sheds and garages | Personal items damaged when storms breach your home’s defences |
Picture this: An unexpected windstorm brings 60+ mph winds to your area. A tree branch crashes through your bedroom window, and heavy rain pours in, soaking your carpet, ruining your wardrobe, and damaging your bedside table.
Since the wind speeds meet the threshold (55+ mph), the damage was sudden and storm-related, and both your property structure and possessions were affected by qualifying storm conditions, the damage would be covered. Here’s how your insurance would respond:
Buildings insurance would cover repairing the broken window, any structural damage to the window frame, and fixing water damage to the walls and ceiling.
Contents insurance would pay to replace your damaged furniture, carpet, clothes, and any other personal belongings ruined by the storm.
What storm damage does home insurance not cover?
Unfortunately, not all weather-related damage qualifies for insurance claims. Here are the main areas where you might find yourself without cover:
Maintenance-related issues
The biggest claim killer: Poor upkeep of your property
- Deteriorating roofs: If your roof was already in poor condition and fails during a storm, that’s wear and tear, not storm damage
- Blocked gutters: Water damage from overflowing gutters during heavy rainfall is typically your responsibility, not the storm’s
- General wear and tear: That dodgy window frame or loose roof tile you’ve been meaning to fix? If it finally gives way in bad weather, don’t expect your insurer to pay out
Specific property types
Not everything in your garden is protected
- Fences and gates: Usually excluded unless damaged by falling trees (and even then, check the small print)
- Garden furniture: May only be covered under specific circumstances or with additional cover
- Swimming pools and landscaping: Water features, decking, and garden design typically aren’t included in standard policies
- Greenhouses and polytunnels: Often require separate coverage or fall under outbuildings with limited protection
Weather conditions
Not all bad weather counts as a “storm”
- Gradual damage: Prolonged wet weather causing slow deterioration over time isn’t covered
- Weak storms: Weather that doesn’t meet your insurer’s wind speed thresholds (usually 47-55+ mph) won’t trigger storm coverage
- Flood damage: Water entering at ground level often requires separate flood insurance, not standard storm cover
Property status
How you maintain and occupy your home matters
- Unoccupied homes: Properties left empty for extended periods (typically 30-60 days) may lose storm cover
- Neglected properties: If lack of maintenance contributed to the damage, your claim could be rejected
- Commercial use: Using your home for business purposes might affect your residential storm damage coverage
Always check your policy documents for specific exclusions, as they vary significantly between insurance providers and can dramatically impact your coverage. What one insurer covers as standard, another might exclude entirely.
How to make a storm damage claim
When storm damage strikes, follow these essential steps to ensure a successful claim:
1. Stay safe and document everything
Wait until conditions are safe, then take photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles. Use your mobile phone’s timestamp feature to prove when damage occurred.
2. Report your claim promptly
Contact your insurance provider immediately, delays can complicate or reject your claim. Have your policy reference number ready and provide clear details about the storm event and exact damage caused.
3. Check your cover
Review your policy documents to confirm your storm damage coverage. Remember: water damage without obvious roof damage may still be covered under “storm” loss types.
4. Prevent further damage
Make emergency repairs to stop additional damage, but keep all receipts and take photos before making any changes. Don’t make permanent repairs without your insurer’s approval.
5. Gather supporting evidence
Collect weather data from the Met Office, receipts for temporary accommodation or repairs, and any witness contact details. The more evidence you provide, the stronger your claim.
6. Cooperate with the assessment
Your insurer will send a loss adjuster to evaluate the damage. Be present during their visit and provide all your documentation. Keep detailed records of all communications throughout the process.
Key tip: Insurers verify weather conditions using official data, so ensure your claim aligns with recorded storm conditions in your area.
How can I prevent storm damage?
Prevention is always better than claiming. Here’s how to protect your property and ensure your insurance claims won’t be rejected:
Essential regular maintenance
Keep your property storm-ready year-round
- Roof inspections: Check and replace loose roof tiles before they become flying projectiles
- Gutter maintenance: Clear debris regularly to prevent overflow during heavy rain. Blocked gutters are a common claim rejection
- Tree management: Trim branches near your property to reduce risks from falling trees
- Secure outdoor items: Garden furniture and loose objects should be anchored or stored before weather warnings
Seasonal storm preparation
Stay ahead of severe weather
- Post-warning checks: Inspect your property after Met Office weather warnings to catch damage early
- Vulnerable area reviews: Pay special attention to conservatories, outbuildings, and exposed areas
- Material upgrades: Consider impact-resistant windows or reinforced roofing in high-risk areas
- Emergency planning: Know where your stopcock is and have emergency repair contacts ready
Regular maintenance isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for successful insurance claims. Lack of maintenance is one of the most common reasons for claim rejections.
How are UK storm patterns changing?
British weather has always been unpredictable, but recent years have shown just how wild our storms can get. The Met Office recorded six named storms in the 2024-25 season alone, highlighting how frequently severe weather now batters the UK.
Here’s what’s actually happening with our weather: Whilst the total number of windstorms hasn’t dramatically increased long-term, there’s massive year-to-year variation. Some winters unleash multiple intense systems that cause widespread damage, whilst others are surprisingly calm. It’s like weather roulette, you never know what you’re going to get.
The jet stream holds much of the blame for this unpredictability. When it shifts south, it steers low-pressure systems directly over Britain, bringing the sort of storms that rip roof tiles off and send garden furniture flying.
What does the future hold? Climate projections suggest we won’t necessarily see loads more storms, but the ones we do get could pack a bigger punch. Winter wind speeds might only increase modestly, but storms are likely to bring more intense rainfall and higher coastal flooding risks, exactly the sort of conditions that cause expensive property damage.
The bottom line on storm damage insurance
Does home insurance cover storm damage? Yes, but success depends on understanding your policy terms and keeping your property well-maintained. The best storm damage insurance is coverage you actually understand before you need it. Don’t wait until weather warnings are issued to discover what you’re protected for.
With extreme weather becoming more unpredictable across the UK, proper home insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential for protecting your biggest asset. At Lemonade, we cut through the confusion with transparent, straightforward cover that actually works when storms strike.
Quick FAQs about storm damage cover
Are fences covered by storm damage insurance?
Generally no, unless damaged by falling trees. Fences, gates, and garden boundaries are typically excluded from buildings insurance.
Is accidental damage different from storm damage?
Yes. Accidental damage covers mishaps you cause, while storm damage covers weather-related incidents meeting specific criteria.
Does contents insurance cover electronics damaged by power surges?
Usually yes, if the surge resulted from lightning during a storm. However, check your policy wording as some insurers have specific limits for electrical damage.
Is water damage from storms covered?
Water damage caused by storm-breached roofs or broken windows is typically covered. However, flood damage from overwhelmed drains or rising groundwater often requires separate flood insurance.
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