What counts as a storm?
Many insurers define a storm by wind speed, heavy rainfall, snow or hail, and may check weather records for your area on the date. Named storms are a useful signal but naming isn’t a requirement for a storm claim. The Met Office, Met Éireann and KNMI name storms expected to have medium or high impacts; this season’s list begins Austen, Boelo, Chloe.
Usually covered vs usually excluded
| Usually covered | Usually excluded |
|---|---|
| Roof tiles blown off by high winds | Damage from wear and tear or poor maintenance |
| Water getting in through storm damage | Fences, gates and hedges (common exclusion) |
| Falling trees damaging the house | Gradual water ingress through old pointing |
| Contents damaged as a result | Removing a fallen tree that didn’t damage anything (often) |
Claiming
- Make safe and prevent further damage (tarpaulins, buckets) if it’s safe.
- Photograph everything, including the wider scene.
- Report promptly and keep receipts for emergency work.
- Expect a surveyor or loss adjuster for larger claims.
See how to make a home insurance claim.
Last updated: 10 October 2026
