What Does an Insurance Company class as Storm Damage?

Picture this: You're snuggled up on the couch, binge-watching your favorite show, when suddenly you hear a loud clap of thunder. You check the weather app on your phone, and yep, it's a storm. No big deal, right? WRONG. Storms are serious business and you'd better take them seriously if you want to avoid a world of pain. From water ingress to wind damage, hail damage to lightning strikes, storms can cause all kinds of havoc on your home. And don't even get us started on the potential for falling trees or debris. The good news is that most home insurance policies cover storm damage, so you don't have to go it alone. But let's face it, dealing with an insurance claim can be a complex matter, especially in the aftermath of a storm. So, we're here to help you understand what types of damage are covered by your policy and give you some tips on how to protect your home during a storm.

How does the insurer define ‘a storm?’

When it comes to insurance, understanding the definition of ‘a storm’ is essential. The insurance industry has a specific definition for what qualifies as a storm, and it’s important to know what that definition is to ensure that you have adequate cover.

For insurers, a storm is typically defined as a weather event with strong winds, heavy rain, hail, or snow that causes damage to property. The conditions required for an event to be classified as a storm can vary depending on the insurer and the specific policy so you need to check the terms and conditions of your policy. A storm can be classified by insurers as a period of turbulent weather which meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Wind speeds with gusts reaching a minimum of 48 knots (55mph).
• Rainfall with an intensity of no less than 25mm per hour.
• Accumulation of snow to a depth of no less than one foot (30 cm) within 24 hours.
• Hail that causes damage to hard surfaces or breaks glass due to its intensity.

The Beaufort scale is often used by insurers to help determine the severity of a storm. This scale measures wind speed and provides a standardised way of describing storm conditions. The scale ranges from 0 to 12, with 0 being calm winds and 12 being hurricane force winds. Checking the Beaufort scale can help you understand how severe a storm was and what kind of damage you can expect.

Damage to roof slates and tiles is not uncommon following high winds and storms, however not all damage will be covered by your insurance policy and the condition of your roof prior to the event may determine whether or not your claim is accepted. Insurers typically define roof damage as any damage caused by wind or falling debris. This can include missing shingles, slipped or cracked tiles and slates or anything that has been dislodged that was previously securely fixed. Water ingress caused by missing mortar, poor pointing, perished felt or brittle slates is unlikely to be covered, even if you had never experienced any water ingress from that area of your roof prior to the storm. Your insurer will expect that you keep your property in good condition and carry out regular checks to spot any potential maintenance issues as and when they arrive and keep on top of any necessary repairs.

If your roof is damaged by a storm, it’s important to contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the claim so that weather records can be checked for your area. If you have building insurance, you may be able to claim for damage to your property caused by a storm. This may include damage to your roof, windows, or exterior walls. To understand the scope of cover, it is crucial to examine your policy and identify what falls within its provisions and what does not. Some policies may also cover additional expenses, such as alternative accommodation, if your home is uninhabitable due to storm damage.

If you have contents insurance, you may also be able to claim for damage caused by a storm. This may include damage to your personal belongings, such as furniture or electronics. Again, it’s important to review your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered.

What do Insurers look at when considering a storm damage claim?

When considering a storm damage claim, insurers will ask you to provide some information and evidence. They will also review relevant laws, regulations, industry codes of conduct, and the terms and conditions of your policy. Insurers will typically ask three questions:

• Whether there was a storm around the reported incident date
• Whether the damage is consistent with storm damage
• Whether the damage resulted primarily from storm conditions. This is specifically important to note because a lot of claims get rejected because the roof was in poor condition before the storm occurred, even if there had been strong winds and the damage is consistent with storm damage.

In answering these questions, insurers will review official weather reports, assess the condition of the property, and consider information about the storm that you provide. Ultimately, insurers will use this information to make a decision about whether to pay your claim and, if so, how much.

You might also be interested in: ADVANTAGES OF HIRING A LOSS ASSESSOR TO DEAL WITH YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM

Below, you’ll learn of the precautions to take to prepare for storms and floods before they happen. You’ll also learn of what to do if it happens.


What to do beforehand to prepare for storms and floods
Below are some precautions you can take to help you prepare for storms and floods before they cause serious damage to your property:

1. Maintain Your Property: Regular maintenance of your property, including fixing loose roof tiles or slates, can help prevent damage during a storm.
   
   
2. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Having emergency contact numbers for your insurer, local authority, and utility companies in a safe, waterproof place can help you quickly get the assistance you need in case of damage or outages.
   
   
3. Listen for Bad Weather Warnings: Stay informed of approaching storms by listening to local radio and TV for weather warnings.
   
   
4. Sign Up for Flood Warnings: By signing up for a flood warning service offered by relevant agencies, you can be notified in advance of any potential flooding in your area. You might want to check the following websites so that you’re warned in advance of any potential flood: the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Environment Protection Agency or the Rivers Agency (Northern Ireland).
   
   
5. Secure Unsecured Items: Loose items in your garden like ladders can become dangerous during high winds. Make sure to secure them properly.
   
   
6. Move Your Car: Moving your car away from an area at risk of flooding can help prevent damage to your vehicle.
   
   
7. Move Valuable Items: Moving valuable or essential items upstairs or to a high place can help protect them from flood damage.
   
   
8. Keep Your Mobile Phone with You: Keeping your mobile phone with you can help you quickly call for help in case of an emergency.
   
   
9. Check Utilities: Checking the safety of your electricity, gas, and water supplies during a storm can help prevent accidents or damage to your property.

What to do if your property has been affected by a storm

If you have experienced storm damage, it's essential to take the appropriate steps to ensure that you and your household are safe and that your property is restored to its former state as quickly as possible. Here's what you need to do if you've suffered storm damage:

1. Do not do anything that will put you or your household at risk. If your property has suffered storm damage or flooding, the first thing you need to do is make sure that you and your household are safe. If your home has been severely damaged, it may not be safe to enter, so it's essential to stay outside until it's deemed safe to go in.

2. Only return to your home or business after a storm when it is safe to do so. Once the storm has passed, it's essential to wait until it's safe to return to your home or business. Listen to local authorities and emergency services for guidance on when it's safe to return.

3. Contact your property insurer as soon as possible. Contact your property insurer as soon as possible after the storm damage occurs. Most insurers have 24-hour emergency helplines that can give you advice on next steps and arrange for repairs as quickly as possible.

4. If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse. If your home or business has suffered significant damage, you may need to arrange for temporary emergency repairs to prevent any further damage from occurring. Be sure to tell your insurer and keep any receipts as this will form part of your claim.

5. Do not be in a rush to throw away damaged items, unless they are a danger to health, as these may be able to be repaired or restored. It's essential not to rush into throwing away damaged items, as they may be able to be repaired or restored. Also, if they are thrown away before insurance company or their representative has opportunity to see them, they may prejudice the insurance company’s position to include them in the settlement. Your insurer can advise you on what to do with damaged items.

6. It can take weeks, sometimes months for a property to fully dry out, so do not be in a rush to redecorate. After suffering storm damage, it's essential to give your property time to dry out fully before beginning any redecoration work. This process can take weeks or even months, and your insurer can advise you on when it's safe to begin redecoration work.

In conclusion, storms can be both powerful and unpredictable, and their damage can leave homeowners feeling helpless and overwhelmed. However, with the right home insurance policy and some preparation, you can weather any storm that comes your way. From wind and hail damage to flooding, it's essential to understand the different types of storm damage covered by your policy and take steps to protect your home before, during, and after a storm. By following the tips we've provided, such as maintaining your property, having emergency contact numbers on hand, and listening for bad weather warnings, you can minimize the impact of storm damage on your home and keep your loved ones safe. Remember, storms may be unavoidable, but with the right precautions in place, you can always come out on top. Stay safe and stay prepared.