Has storm damage left a hole in your insurance policies?
Fences, roof tiles, gates and guttering have been torn down and in worse hit places there’s the risk of windows smashed and property damaged.
Many families will assume that repairs for any such damage will be covered by their home insurance.
But millions are not covered either because they do not have insurance, or because their current policy is inadequate.
This kind of brutal weather is a reminder to check if you are sufficiently covered.
The number of home insurance claims as a result of adverse weather conditions in winter months has risen by around 200 per cent according to one insurer.
If you have been unlucky enough to suffer any damage to your home, contact your insurer immediately for assistance.
Take photos and keep any spoilt items that will assist with the claim.
It might be helpful to keep any references to the storm perhaps from the local paper or the internet in case there is any doubt that storm damage happened in your area.
If you have undertaken immediate repairs keep a receipt.
It’s also worth deciding whether the cost of repairs is worth the extra premiums you might end up paying as a result of a claim, as well as the excess you will need to pay.
And it’s worth dealing with a respected insurer rather than just opting for the cheapest.
The Financial Ombudsman Service has reported it deals with hundreds of storm and weather-related complaints every year.
Often complaints about storm damage centre on what constitutes a storm (for example, wind speeds) and whether the damage was caused by a storm, as opposed to general wear and tear. This is why any extra evidence you can gather is important.
Look after your home
Although insurance is useful for covering costs as a result of adverse weather, we also need to maintain our homes.
While household insurance covers damage caused by certain bad weather conditions, there is also a responsibility for homeowners to keep their properties in a good state of repair.
In some cases an insurer will refuse to pay out for a weather-related home insurance claim if it feels that the homeowner hasn’t maintained their property to a sufficient standard.
Buildings insurance will cover damage to the structure of a home, domestic outbuildings, paved terraces, drives and paths caused by flood and storm, but cover is generally not provided for damage caused by heavy rain or high winds.
The greatest risks from storms arise from problems with falling trees and dislodged roof tiles as these can lead to water getting into the property, damage to nearby cars, or even injuries to passers-by.
This is why it is so important to protect your home through regular maintenance and upkeep.
If you find your home under threat from windstorm damage, you need to secure any objects which could become hazardous, such as garden furniture, barbecues and bikes. Most policies do not cover items such as these if they are damaged by a storm or wind, so store them in a strong, secure shed or in a place where you can secure them effectively. Keep all gates and outbuilding doors fastened securely.
More importantly, ensure that the roof is in good condition and well maintained since this and the infrastructure beneath it are the home's most critical defence against strong winds. Check for cracks in the chimney or problems with the pointing and make sure there are no roof tiles flapping around.
Another option is to add home emergency cover to your policy, which offers cover that your standard home insurance often cannot deal with.