Extreme Weather and Home Insurance: What UK Homeowners Need to Know
The UK is experiencing more frequent and severe weather events. Understanding what your insurance covers, what it excludes, and how the Flood Re scheme works is essential preparation before the next major weather event.
- Standard home insurance typically covers storm damage to structures and contents but flood cover is often a separate add-on in high-risk areas.
- The Flood Re scheme subsidises flood insurance for around 350,000 high-risk properties, making cover available where it would otherwise be prohibitively expensive.
- Pre-existing disrepair can lead to rejected claims - maintain your property to ensure successful storm damage claims.
- Energy bills spike during extreme weather events. Ofgem price cap quarterly reviews set limits on domestic electricity and gas unit rates.
Storm Damage Cover: What Is Included?
The ABI defines storm damage as damage caused by high winds, heavy rain, hail, snow or lightning. Typically covered: roof damage from high winds or falling trees; broken windows; water ingress caused by storm structural damage; outbuildings and fences (check policy sub-limits). Key exclusions: pre-existing damage, flood (often a separate add-on), subsidence.
Flood Insurance and Flood Re
Flood Re is a government-backed reinsurance scheme making flood insurance affordable for around 350,000 high-risk UK residential properties. Participating insurers can pass the flood risk element to the Flood Re pool with premiums capped by council tax band. Properties built after 1 January 2009 are excluded. Check floodre.co.uk for eligibility.
Energy Bills in Extreme Weather
Cold snaps and heatwaves both cause energy consumption spikes. The Ofgem price cap sets maximum unit rates quarterly for default domestic tariffs. Cold Weather Payments for eligible benefit claimants provide additional support. Check gov.uk/cold-weather-payment for eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does home insurance cover flood damage?
It depends on your policy. Some include flood cover, others exclude it or apply high excess levels for flood claims. Check both buildings and contents sections. Flood Re-backed policies may be available for high-risk properties through participating insurers.
What is Flood Re and how does it help?
Flood Re is a government-backed scheme allowing participating insurers to offer affordable flood insurance to around 350,000 high-risk residential properties. Premiums for the flood element are capped by council tax band. The scheme is funded by a levy on UK home insurers. Check floodre.co.uk.
Are fences covered by storm damage insurance?
Fences are often excluded or subject to low sub-limits. Many policies exclude fence damage entirely, particularly if in poor condition beforehand. Check your buildings policy schedule for boundary structure cover.
What should I do immediately after storm damage?
Document all damage with photos and video before any temporary repairs. Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage and keep receipts. Contact your insurer promptly. Do not carry out permanent repairs before the insurer has assessed the damage.
