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Storm damage insurance with Sheilas' Wheels

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Storms - they seem to be happen more often these days, but what exactly turns a windy day into a stormy one? According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a storm is when winds reach 55mph or higher, often bringing heavy rain, hail or maybe even snow along with them. When the wind's this strong it can snap off tree branches, damage roofs and cause an awful lot of havoc.

It's important to know when a storm really is a storm as if it's just a breezy day any damage caused might not be covered.

What is storm damage?

Storm damage refers to damage caused by a storm, which is defined according to weather data as:

  • Wind of a violent gale force 10 on the Beaufort scale, reaching speeds of 55 mph or above
  • Rainfall of 25mm or more in a 24-hour period
  • Snowfall of at least 1 ft (300mm) in 24 hours
  • Hail so intense that it causes damage to hard surfaces or breaks glass
     

If you’ve recently had to deal with a storm yourself, you might know that some of its potential effects include:

  • Damage to your roof
  • Cracks in your windows
  • Flooding on your property

How can I prevent storm damage?

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Unfortunately if the wind really is blowing a hooley, you might not be able to completely prevent storm damage - but there are things you can do ahead of time to reduce any potential damage to your home.

  1. Make sure your roof's in good repair
    Checking your roof for any damage regularly is always a good idea, but it’s especially important before a storm. High winds can lift roof tiles, and heavy snowfall can put weight and pressure on the roof, causing it to sag. If your roof does look like it needs some repairs, get these done before the storm hits.

  2. Clean your rain gutters
    Leaves and other debris can build up in your gutters, which only gets worse when things are being blown into them during a storm. This will stop water from flowing normally, which could cause damage. Once you've had them cleared, make sure they're nice and secure too.
     
  3. Trim your trees
    If you've got any stray branches that look like they won't stand up to some strong winds, now's the time to get trimming. Cut down any branches that seem loose, and if the wind looks strong enough to completely topple a tree, make sure you'll be safe and out of harm's way.
     
  4. Secure your windows
    Make sure your windows can shut securely and are sealed properly to prevent any excess water from leaking in.
     
  5. Unplug electronics
    Protect your electronics from potential power surges by unplugging them before a storm, just in case.

What storm damage does Sheilas' Wheels cover?

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Getting your home back to normal after a storm is really important to us. If you find yourself hit by a storm, here's what our insurance is designed to cover:

Damage to your buildings Yes If you are hit by a storm*, we’ll cover the damage it causes to the structural elements of your home if you have buildings cover.
Damage to your contents Yes If you have contents cover, we’ll cover any loss or damage to the contents in your home caused by storm*.
Water entering your home not because of storm* or flooding No If storm* conditions aren’t present, we can’t cover any damage caused by water entering your home
Damage caused by wear and tear or a lack of maintenance No One of the reasons it’s especially important to assess your property’s condition and make any repairs before a storm is that damage that happens because of wear and tear or lack of maintenance would not be covered.
Damage to gates, hedges, or fences No As these are not part of the structure or contents of your home, they are not covered against storm.
Damage to your garden, or contents kept outside No Damage to your garden would not be covered against storm. Storing or securing items ahead of a storm can help to prevent damage from occurring.

 

*By storm we mean:

  • Wind of a violent gale force 10 on the Beaufort scale, reaching speeds of 55 mph or above
  • Rainfall of 25mm or more in a 24-hour period
  • Snowfall of at least 1 ft (300mm) in 24 hours
  • Hail so intense that it causes damage to hard surfaces or breaks glass


We hope that you're never affected by a storm, but if it does happen our guide should be able to help you prepare your home for a storm.