Storm Chandra: does insurance cover storm and flood damage?

Households are facing severe flooding and storm damage as Storm Chandra hit the UK with gusts of up to 75mph and heavy rainfall.

Amber weather warnings for wind and rain are in place across the UK as further disruption is expected due to the low-pressure storm.

Does home insurance cover storm damage?
Most home building insurance providers cover damage to the structure of your home, such as the roof, windows and walls, due to storm damage.

This includes damage caused by extreme weather such as heavy wind, snow, rain and hail.

A home contents insurance policy covers damage to furnishings and your personal belongings, including:
– carpets
– furniture
– appliances
– electronics
– clothing and accessories

In some cases, insurers might refuse to pay for weather-related damage if there is evidence that you haven’t maintained your home to a decent standard.

For example, say your roof was damaged before the storm hit and you never fixed it.

The insurer might reject your claim if it believes the existing poor condition of the roof contributed to the new level of damage.

It’s vital to check your policy to make sure you have the right level of cover.

Does car insurance cover storm damage?
The majority of fully comprehensive car insurance policies cover damage to your vehicle if it’s damaged due to stormy conditions.

The exact cover limits will vary depending on your policy, however, so it’s important to check with your provider.

Third-party or third-party fire and theft policies are unlikely to provide cover as they only pay out for damage caused to other people’s cars. Or if your car was stolen or damaged due to fire.

Does travel insurance cover storm disruption?
Travel insurance might be able to help you claim back costs if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to storm disruption.

Depending on your policy, you might get a payout for additional costs you needed to make during the delay such as food, non-alcoholic beverages and phone calls.

If the disruption causes you to cancel the entire trip, you might be able to claim the cost of accommodation, activities and car hire in your intended destination.

It’s vital to check the terms of a travel policy before buying to avoid being caught out by unexpected events.

And purchase your travel insurance policy far in advance to ensure that any mishaps before you set off on your trip are covered.