Storm Damage

Rebuilding Your Home after Storm Damage With Trust

Storms can leave a trail of destruction in their wake, causing damage to homes and businesses. Home Claims Assist is your partner in managing insurance claims related to storm damage. From wind and rain damage to other storm-related issues, our team is equipped to handle the intricacies of these claims. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive fair and just compensation for the damages incurred during storms.

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What to Do After Storm Damage

The steps you take immediately after a storm can make a significant difference to the outcome of your insurance claim.

1

Stay safe

Do not climb onto a damaged roof or enter rooms where the ceiling may be compromised. If the structure feels unsafe, stay out until it has been assessed.

2

Prevent further damage

Where it is safe to do so, cover exposed areas with tarpaulins, place buckets under leaks, and move valuables away from water ingress. Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to limit further loss.

3

Document everything

Photograph all visible damage — roof tiles, broken fences, water staining, fallen trees, and damaged outbuildings. Take wide shots and close-ups before any temporary repairs are carried out.

4

Record weather conditions

Note the date and time the storm occurred. Met Office weather warnings and local weather data are valuable evidence when supporting your claim.

5

Contact your insurer

Report the storm damage promptly. You do not need a full list of damage at this stage — simply notify them that an insurable event has occurred.

6

Call Home Claims Assist

We can guide you through the immediate steps, arrange emergency repairs where needed, and begin building your claim from day one.

What Does a Storm Damage Claim Cover?

Storm damage to your property can be wide-ranging. We ensure every aspect of the damage is properly documented and included in your claim.

Roof & Structural Damage

Missing or displaced tiles, ridge tiles, lead flashing, chimney damage, and any structural compromises caused by high winds.

Water Ingress Damage

Interior damage caused by rainwater entering through a storm-damaged roof — ceilings, walls, flooring, insulation, and electrics.

Fallen Trees & Branches

Damage to your property, garden walls, fences, and outbuildings caused by falling trees, along with removal costs where covered.

Windows & Doors

Broken or shattered windows, damaged frames, and doors blown open or off hinges during severe weather.

Fencing & Boundary Walls

Garden fences, boundary walls, and gates damaged or destroyed by storm conditions, where covered under your policy.

Outbuildings & Garages

Sheds, garages, conservatories, and other outbuildings damaged by wind, fallen debris, or water ingress during the storm.

Emergency Repairs

Boarding up windows, tarping a damaged roof, and other temporary measures to make the property safe and weathertight.

Alternative Accommodation

If storm damage makes your home uninhabitable, your policy should cover the cost of suitable temporary accommodation.

When Insurers Push Back on Storm Claims

Storm damage claims are among the most commonly disputed by insurers. Understanding how they may challenge your claim helps you appreciate why having a loss assessor makes a real difference.

1

Wear and tear, not storm damage

Insurers may argue that roof damage was pre-existing rather than caused by the storm. We obtain independent structural assessments and cross-reference Met Office weather data to demonstrate the damage was storm-related.

2

Gradual deterioration

A common defence is that damage accumulated over time. We provide evidence showing that the specific storm event caused or significantly worsened the damage beyond what would be expected from normal ageing.

3

Poor maintenance allegation

Some insurers try to reduce or reject claims by alleging the property was poorly maintained. We challenge this with independent surveys and professional opinion where appropriate.

4

Undervalued repair costs

The insurer’s loss adjuster may underestimate the cost of proper repairs. We prepare independent contractor estimates and specifications to ensure a fair settlement.

How We Handle Your Storm Claim

We conduct an independent assessment of all storm damage to your property, using qualified surveyors and Met Office data to build a comprehensive, evidence-based claim.

  • Independent structural survey of all storm-related damage
  • Met Office weather data to support the storm event
  • Professional contractor estimates for all repair works
  • Detailed photographic and video evidence of every area affected
  • Full contents inventory where items have been damaged
  • Policy review to ensure all eligible costs are included

How Long Does a Storm Damage Claim Take?

Storm Damage Severity
Typical Timeline
Minor (fencing, tiles, guttering)
4-8 weeks
Moderate (partial roof, water ingress)
8-16 weeks
Major (structural, fallen tree)
3-6 months
Severe (multiple areas, displacement)
6-12 months

Storm events often affect multiple properties simultaneously, which can create contractor shortages and delay repairs. We coordinate with trusted contractors and keep your claim moving forward.

Storm Damage Claims for Every Property Owner

We manage storm damage claims for homeowners, landlords with rental portfolios, and business owners facing disruption to their operations. Storm damage frequently affects roofing, and the resulting water ingress can cause secondary damage similar to a flood damage claim — saturated ceilings, damaged electrics, and ruined contents.

If your insurer has appointed a loss adjuster to inspect the damage, it is worth understanding how loss adjusters differ from loss assessors and the role each plays in the settlement process. For a step-by-step guide to the entire journey, visit our claims process page.

Property damaged by a storm?

Storm damage claims often face resistance from insurers. Our experienced loss assessors know how to build a strong case and negotiate the settlement you deserve.

We've Got Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Home insurance typically covers damage caused by strong winds, heavy rain, hail, lightning, and fallen trees during storms. This includes roof damage, structural damage, broken windows, damaged fences and outbuildings, and water ingress resulting from storm damage. We review your policy to identify all eligible aspects of your claim.

We help you build a robust evidence base including photographs and video of the damage, weather reports confirming storm conditions on the date of the incident, independent structural surveys, and contractor assessments. This comprehensive documentation strengthens your claim and supports our negotiations with your insurer.

Yes. Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as emergency boarding up or tarping a damaged roof. Keep all receipts for emergency repairs — these costs are typically covered as part of your claim. We can help coordinate emergency contractors if needed.

Coverage for garden items, fences, and outbuildings varies between policies. Some policies include them as standard, while others offer them as optional extras. We'll review your specific policy wording to determine exactly what's covered and ensure nothing is overlooked.

This is a common dispute. Insurers sometimes argue that storm damage was actually pre-existing wear and tear. We counter this with independent structural assessments, weather data evidence, and expert reports to demonstrate that the damage was indeed caused by the storm event.

You should report storm damage to your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within days of the event. However, some storm damage — such as slow water ingress through a damaged roof — may not become apparent for weeks. We can help you make a valid claim even if you discover the damage after some time has passed.