Storm damage prevention checklist
1. Exterior drains - Is rainwater flowing away?
2. Guttering for damage or debris - Can water can flow away easily?
3. Check for cracks in brick work or render - It could allow water ingress
4. Leaks - Check in and around windows and doors
5. Loft area - Check for any hidden leaks
6. Outside drainage - Ensure areas don't breach damp course heights, e.g patios, decking driveway
7. Garden furniture - Make sure items are tied down and secure so they can't cause damage, e.g trampolines
8. Tree safety - Check trees near your property are healthy and not likely to fall or cause damage
9. Inspect flat roofs for damage or leaks - Flat roofs in particular have a shorter lifespan
10. Tiles on roof - For loose or cracked tiles or slates
11. Mortar on chimney - Ensure it is in good condition and not degraded.
Prevent, protect and repair
Find out what you can do before, during and after a storm - to help protect you and your home.
Have you been affected?
Next steps
If your home has been damaged by storm conditions, we understand how distressing it can be and we're here to help as best we can.
- Check your home insurance cover view policy documents
- Gather what you need to make a claim online
- Make a claim online it's quick and easy
- Need to check an existing claim? You can manage it online
- If you'd prefer to speak to someone, you can get in touch via our virtual assistant
Storm cover - what is and isn't covered?
By a storm, we mean strong winds of over 55mph or damage by extreme rain, snow or hail.
Not sure what storm cover includes? Here's an overview.
What isn't covered?
- Fences
- Gates
- Swimming pools
- Hot tub covers
- Windspeed under 55mph
Please note this relates to our standard Rias Home Insurance policy.
Did you know when making a storm claim, that wind, rain, snow or hail need to meet the following criteria? |
|
 |
Usually, damage caused by wind speeds under 55mph isn't covered, but we know every situation is different. So even if the wind wasn't quite 55 miles per hour, we might still look at the damage. |
 |
Rainfall of more than 25mm in an hour |
 |
Snowfall of 30cm or more that falls in a 24-hour period |
 |
Hailstones that damage hard surfaces |
Frequently asked questions about storm events
How do I make a claim?
We've outlined the steps that you should take if you need to check for storm damage or make a claim.
How to make a storms claim
How do I check my cover?
If you need to know exactly what your home insurance covers, the quickest way is to check your policy documents. Here is a quick overview.
Do you need urgent support?
- Is your property uninhabitable or unsecured?
- Do you need to make us aware of any exceptional circumstances affecting you or someone you live with?
- If so, then please get in touch by calling 0345 165 5753 and we'll get you to the right person as soon as possible.
What is covered by storm damage?
- This will depend on the cover you have. If you have buildings cover, in the event of a successful claim, any part of your building which has been damaged as a result of the extreme weather will be covered.
- If you have contents cover, then any damaged contents will be covered.
- Policy limits are shown in your policy documentation.
- Fences, gates, trees and hedges are not covered in the event of storm damage under your buildings cover. Please refer to your policy booklet as some garden items may be covered under contents cover if you have that.
When would my storm claim not be covered?
Sometimes, storm damage claims are turned down because the storm conditions didn’t actually cause the problem. Instead, the storm just made an old or existing issue worse, like wear and tear, when a storm just shows the damage that was already there.
It's difficult for a weather event to damage well-maintained properties, unless it is quite extreme.
Usually, damage caused by wind speeds under 55mph isn't covered, but we know every situation is different. So even if the wind wasn’t quite 55 miles per hour, we might still look at the damage. If you’re unsure, feel free to get in touch to see if we can help.
For more information, please refer to the question below: 'What counts as storm damage?
What if my property is not safe to live in?
We understand that some customers like to stay in their own homes where possible, so we can provide facilities like temporary kitchens and bathrooms to enable you to do so. If you do have to leave the property, we will help you make those arrangements, whether this is staying with relatives or checking into suitable alternative accommodation.
For more information on alternative accommodation cover please refer to your policy documentation.
What counts as storm damage?
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a storm is when wind speeds go over 55 miles per hour. This is the same as wind scales like the Beaufort Scale.
Depending on your policy, your building would be covered if damage occurred under the following circumstances:
- Where wind speeds are recorded over 55mph
- Where rainfall reaches more than 25mm/1 inch of rain within a 1 hour period
- Where hailstones are extreme and damages hard surfaces
- Where there are 30cm/12 inches or more of snowfall within a 24 hour period
We'll check that these conditions have been met by using a tool called Weathernet to check the weather at the exact postcode where the damage happened. It uses trusted weather data to help us be fair and accurate. This is better than using normal weather stations or news reports, which talk about big areas and might not be as exact.
Usually, damage caused by wind speeds under 55mph isn't covered, but we know every situation is different. So even if the wind wasn’t quite 55 miles per hour, we might still look at the damage. If you’re unsure, feel free to get in touch to see if we can help.
