Would your home pass a storm MOT?

Key takeaways

• The Met Office’s newly named storms highlight the importance of preparing homes for severe autumn weather.

• Neglecting basic maintenance, such as clearing gutters or repairing roof damage, could increase storm-related damage and potentially affect insurance claims.

• Flooding poses a significant risk to UK homes, so keeping a regular checklist including checking insurance, documenting property condition and signing up for weather alerts can help homeowners stay prepared.

Austen, Boelo and Chloe might sound friendly, but all are names that homeowners may come to dread this autumn as they represent pending storms.

The Met Office's annual storm naming announcement comes as households prepare for autumn. While many people focus on seasonal changes inside the home, overlooking basic property maintenance could increase the risk of costly storm damage and, in some cases, cause complications when making an insurance claim.

Why skipping these home maintenance tasks can be costly 

Small maintenance problems that go ignored can quickly become expensive issues when storms occur. 

Many homeowners don’t realise that putting off simple maintenance jobs can lead to leaks or structural issues and, in some cases, impact an insurance claim.

While all homes experience some wear and tear during the autumn months, insurers still expect homeowners to carry out basic maintenance to keep the property in good condition.

This includes tasks like clearing gutters, checking your roof for damage and making sure fences and gates are secure ahead of periods of bad weather.

If your insurer discovers that home maintenance has been neglected, they may say the damage could have been prevented, which could leave to a rejected claim should something happen.

UK homes face a greater risk of flooding than burglary

Many households take steps to protect their homes from burglary, but fewer think about the damage storms can cause. Yet flooding remains one of the most expensive weather-related threats facing homeowners.

Data suggests UK homes are significantly more likely to be exposed to flood risk than experience burglary. Figures from the 2024 Office for National Statistics (ONS) Crime Survey shows that close to one in 100 homes in the UK are burgled each year, while official figures show that around one in five UK homes are considered at risk of flooding.¹

One common misconception is that flood risk only affects homes located close to rivers or large bodies of water, when in fact, a quarter of flooding occurs in areas that are formally designated as being outside of flood risk zones. 

There are several practical steps homeowners can take to help reduce the risk of weather-related damage.

Six-step checklist to storm-proof your home this autumn

To help homeowners prepare for storm season and reduce the risk of damage to their properties, Kara has shared a six-step checklist:

1. Clear the way

Blocked drains and gutters can contribute to surface water flooding. Remove fallen leaves, moss and debris regularly to help prevent blockages that can lead to water damage.

2. Check your cover

With the average cost of repairing flood damage to a home estimated at around £30,000, not having appropriate insurance cover in place this storm season could lead to significant financial consequences. 

Make sure your policy is up to date, ensuring your cover aligns with your current possessions and their value.

3. Get snappy

Take photos of your home and garden now, while they’re in good condition. It can act as proof against weather-related disputes later. You can also keep a simple home maintenance log to show you’ve taken steps to maintain your property.

4. Look for signs

Inspect ceilings, walls and loft spaces for early signs of leaks or damp. Addressing minor issues early can help prevent more significant damage later.

It's also worth regularly inspecting external walls and roofing. Check for missing tiles, cracks or other places where water could enter the property.

5. Stock up on sand

Consider investing in some sandbags, which remain an effective flood-prevention measure, especially if you're in an area with a known history of flooding or elevated flood risk.

6. Stay alert

Sign up for local alerts and Met Office weather warnings, so you have as much notice as possible before severe weather arrives.