Does home insurance cover storm damage?

Key takeaways

• Home insurance usually covers storm damage to your building and belongings, but cover depends on your policy and whether your home has been properly maintained

• Check your policy exclusions. Wear and tear, poor maintenance and some garden structures or outdoor belongings may not be covered

• Document damage before making repairs. Take photos, keep repair quotes and contact your insurer as soon as possible to support your claim

Does home insurance cover storm damage?

Yes, both your buildings and contents home insurance policies should include cover for sudden or unexpected bad weather and storms.

This means you’ll be able to claim for damage caused to your home that resulted from the storm - so long as you’ve kept your home in good shape with regular maintenance.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reported that weather damage to people’s homes and possessions cost £758 million in 2025. Storm damage claims reached £244 million in 2025, up 32% (£59 million) on the previous year, with the average payout rising by £750 to £2,450.

How do insurers define storm or weather damage?

Insurers typically define storm or weather damage as sudden, extreme natural weather events that directly cause physical damage to a property.

While insurers will vary on specifics, most will generally categorise the following incidents as weather-related damage:

• Damage caused by wind or hail

• Damage caused by falling trees or lightning

• Water and flooding from excessive rainfall or melting/thawed snow

• Frozen pipes from cold weather

• Snow and ice causing roof damage

• Power failures resulting from the storm, and losses associated with this such as spoiled food

What is storm and weather damage home insurance?

Storm and weather damage is included as standard as part of home insurance, covering you for damage to your home’s structure and any possessions inside that were affected.

📣 Did you know? Torrential rain was the most common cause of flooding claims received by Ageas between 2023 and 2025, accounting for 48%^[1] of water damage claims. A further 18%^[2] of claims were caused by rivers bursting their banks.

What does storm and weather damage insurance cover?

Storm and weather damage insurance typically covers sudden, direct damage to your home caused by extreme weather.

Cover can vary by policy and provider, but most storm and weather damage insurance policies include cover for damage caused to the structure of your home and any belongings you have inside.

You might also be able to claim for alternative accommodation if your home is rendered uninhabitable after the storm.

What isn’t covered by storm and weather damage insurance?

Storm and weather damage insurance does not cover wear and tear, poor maintenance, pre-existing defects, or gradual issues like damp and leaks. It only applies to sudden, severe weather events that directly cause damage.

Other exclusions may include:

• Fences, walls and gates

• Sheds and outbuildings

• Building works, like incomplete extensions

• Garden furniture and belongings

• Fallen TV aerials or satellites

What damage should I look for after a storm?

Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, check your home for signs of damage. Look for missing or loose roof tiles, damaged gutters, cracked exterior walls and broken windows or doors. Inside, check for damp patches, water stains on ceilings and walls, leaks, and damage to flooring or belongings. Keep an eye out for structural problems, such as new cracks in walls or ceilings, and never enter an area that looks unsafe.

Take photos and videos of any damage before attempting to clear up or make repairs, as these could help support an insurance claim. Make a note of when the damage occurred and any emergency work needed to prevent it getting worse. Don’t climb onto the roof or attempt dangerous repairs yourself. Contact your insurer as soon as possible for advice on what to do next.

How do I prove a storm damage claim?

To prove a storm damage claim, you typically need evidence such as photos or videos of the damage immediately after the event and details of the storm (e.g. weather reports or timestamps).

The Met Office uses the Beaufort Scale to look at damage that can occur at different wind speeds, and it states that light structural damage can occur at wind speeds of 47mph. However, insurers may use their own standards.

You might also need records showing your property was in good condition beforehand, and professional assessments or repair quotes confirming that the damage was caused directly by the storm.

How do I make a storm damage claim?

To make a claim, try to gather evidence of the storm or bad weather and the damage it has caused. Contact your insurance provider as soon as you can.

If you have home emergency cover you might have access to a 24-hour helpline - be sure to keep your policy details to hand if you can.

Avoid cleaning up the mess until you’ve taken photos and videos to support your claim - your provider may send someone out to assess the damage too, especially if it’s extensive.

Protecting your home from bad weather and storm damage

You can protect your home from bad weather and storm damage by keeping your home properly maintained.

Here are some steps you can take to try and mitigate potential damage:

• Insulate your walls, loft and water pipes to protect against cold weather

• Repair things like leaky taps, loose roof tiles and broken fences or walls

• Run your central heating

• Clear any guttering or drainage systems of debris or snow and ice

Compare home insurance quotes

Finding affordable home insurance that offers storm and bad weather protection is easy when you compare quotes with MoneySuperMarket. Just tell us about yourself, your property and the cover you need, and we’ll search the market for deals that meet your needs.

Once you find the deal you want, just click through to the provider’s website to finalise your purchase.