Get Ready for Storms – Protect Your Home This STORM Season

What is classifed as a storm?

As per our Policy Booklet, a storm is defined as “a period of violent weather, including either: 

• Wind speeds of at least 47mph 

• Rainfall of at least 25mm per hour 

• Snowfall of at least 30cm in 24 hours 

Hail so intense that it damages hard surfaces or breaks glass”  

protecting your property 

Here are a few steps you can take to safeguard you and your property: 

roof inspection 

To thoroughly inspect your roof, here’s where to start: 

• Inspect from the inside through your loft or attic 

• Check your ventilation to prevent mould build-up 

• Keep an eye out for damaged or loose tiles 

• Unblock your gutters to prevent blockages which could cause water damage 

For more information, follow Checkatrade’s Roof Maintenance Guide. 

If you are unable to do this yourself, get a professional roofer to check for any damage to your roof which may leave you vulnerable to leaks during heavy rain.

Roofers are generally more available before storm season, so it’s better to get yourself booked in before it hits. To reduce the risk of roof damage, we recommend hiring a qualified roofer to inspect and maintain your roof at least once every 10 years.  

Please be aware that storm damage deemed a result of a poorly maintained roof is typically not covered by your insurance policy. This would be referred to as damage caused gradually or by wear and tear or failure to fix a known issue, so it’s essential to carry out regular checks and any necessary repairs. 

If you have a flat roof, check out specialist Flat Roof Insurance.

secure your garden 

If a storm is predicted, store away any loose items in the garden, such as garden furniture, bikes, and trampolines. 

As well as running the risk of losing them, these items can become dangerous projectiles in strong winds, which can cause damage to the property of others or even people. Trees and shrubs should be trimmed back to minimise the risk of falling branches as much as possible, as this can cause property damage, as well as risks for pedestrians and drivers. 

If you have any concerns, Garden Storm Damage – What You Should Know from The Gardener online publication cover everything from fences to greenhouses. 

check windows and doors 

All windows and doors should be properly sealed to prevent both draughts and water coming into your property. Any gaps, cracks or even general wear and tear could limit your ability to keep your home warm in the colder months, pushing up your energy costs, while also leaving you vulnerable to water damage. You can use weather-stripping around windows and doors to keep your home warm and energy efficient.  

For more information, read our Ultimate Guide to Winter Home Protection.

review your home insurance coverage 

Even if your policy is not up for renewal any time soon, now is a great time to review your home insurance policy to make sure you have adequate protection against storm damage. If you have any questions, our team are here to help via Live Chat or telephone. 

Live Chat is available from Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm, Saturday from 9am – 6pm, and Sunday 9am – 5pm. 

Our telephone lines are open from Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm and Saturday from 9am – 1pm. 

Please note that calls may be charged. 

We know that the UK weather can be unpredictable at the best of times, but being prepared is the best way to minimise risk.  

Keep an eye on the weather forecast if a storm is set to hit the UK, and follow the Met Office’s advice on staying safe in a storm.