Storms are the kind of claim that hits many homes at once: after a summer weather front, a wave of claim notifications reaches insurers. Storm and hail damage are part of most basic home insurance packages – the question isn't whether it's covered, but exactly what the policy means by it, and where the line falls between storm damage and a maintenance shortfall.
- Storm is a defined term in the policy wording: typically, air movement above a set wind-speed threshold counts as one – the threshold varies from policy to policy.
- Cover typically extends to the roof, chimney, shutters, and to any outbuildings or garden structures named in the policy.
- Water that gets in through a roof (or other building structure) that was sound until the storm breached it is typically covered – the exact wording of the policy decides; a leak from a roof that's been faulty for a long time is typically treated as a maintenance issue.
What counts as a storm? The definition decides
In everyday speech, a storm is any strong wind – but in policy terms, a storm is a defined insured event: typically, air movement above a set wind-speed threshold, whose strength the insurer can verify against meteorological data when a claim is made. The threshold and the way it's verified vary between policies, so it's not worth memorising a specific figure – what matters is knowing where your own policy draws the line. Alongside storm, hail and the weight of snow typically belong to the same family as fire and natural perils.
What it typically covers – from the roof to the garden
Typical storm damage includes: torn-up roof covering, a toppled chimney, a ripped-off gutter, a broken window, a torn-off shutter, damage caused by a fallen tree. Cover typically extends to outbuildings and garden structures too – fencing, a canopy, a greenhouse – if these are insured property under the policy. Hail damage hits surfaces: roof tiles, a polycarbonate canopy, shutter slats, façade insulation – and a common question here is where cosmetic damage ends and functional damage begins. Garden items and solar panels deserve special attention: our map of optional covers covers those.
A leak following a storm – or a maintenance gap?
Most disputed storm claims arise from leaks. If a storm damages a sound roof and rain gets in through the resulting gap, that's typically a covered claim – the storm is the triggering cause. But if the roof has long been in a poor state, waiting for repair, policies typically treat the leak as a maintenance shortfall, regardless of the storm. At claim stage, the dividing line comes down to documentation: a photo proving the roof's earlier condition, or a repair invoice, is worth a great deal. To be honest about it: storm cover doesn't substitute for a roof renovation – the two together are what give you peace of mind.
Storm seasons are getting more severe – what should you do?
Meteorological experience shows that the severity of summer thunderstorms and hailstorms has grown in recent years – no reason to panic, but good reason to keep your cover up to date. Three steps: at renewal, check whether outbuildings and newer additions (solar panels, a canopy, a pergola) are listed in the policy; before a storm, secure any garden items that could blow around; and after damage occurs, report it via the insurer's claims line or online portal, with photos – for temporary covering of the roof, home assistance can help with many policies. The claims-handling steps are set out in our after storm damage article; and we can talk through your own policy's questions in a 20-minute chat.
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