Insurance experts issue warning to homeowners before Storm Floris hits the UK

The Met Office has predicted that Storm Floris, due to hit the UK on Monday (4^th August), is likely to bring a spell of unseasonably strong and potentially disruptive winds to the north of the UK.*

The experts at Go.Compare home insurance are now warning homeowners to make sure their properties are secure and well-maintained before the storm arrives.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, commented: “The Met Office has said that we can expect Floris to bring some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, as well as the potential for injuries from flying debris. So we’re encouraging homeowners to take some time now to make sure that your home is secure and watertight before this bad weather arrives. While the sun loungers were a good idea just a few weeks ago, now is the time to temporarily put away the garden furniture.”

The comparison site has compiled some guidance for protecting your home if a storm is imminent:

• Secure all your doors and windows, which will help to prevent rain or gusts from getting in.
• Inspect your roof both before and after the storm - if you have time, and it’s safe to do so, you can minimise potential damage by fixing loose, damaged or missing tiles now.
• Clear your gutters - if you can remove any leaves or debris from your guttering before the storm, water will be able to drain more quickly and you reduce the chances of gutters getting clogged.
• Check your pipes for leaks and if possible, repair any damage you find, even if it seems insignificant.
• Secure any bins or garden furniture that are left out and move trampolines or turn them upside down.
• Check your fences: Your buildings insurance will normally cover anything that’s within the boundary of your property - and that includes gates and fences. But, according to Defaqto, just three out of 253 home buildings insurance policies cover storm damage to fences and gates [2]So, with your home insurance unlikely to pay out for storm damage to fences, you should keep them in a good state of repair - particularly if you know that storms are coming.

Nathan continued: “Doing some preparation before the storm hits will not only give you some peace of mind but could also save you a headache if the worst should happen and you need to make a claim. If you haven’t maintained your property, it can mean that if your home is damaged in the weather and you want to claim on your insurance, you will likely be rejected by your provider.”

In a 2024 survey from Go.Compare Home insurance, over a third (36%) of Brits admitted they wouldn’t be preparing their homes for the winter weather, possibly leaving them vulnerable to damage and unable to claim on their insurance.** 35% of those who took part said they were least likely to check and repair the roof on their property and a further 30% revealed they were unlikely to clean the guttering.

Nathan said: “It’s not always the most exciting task to do on a weekend, but spending an hour or so checking your property and the surrounding areas could be really worthwhile if Storm Floris hits as the Met Office is predicting*. In addition, if you’re away on holiday at the moment and are concerned about your property back home, maybe consider asking a relative or good friend to call around and at least check the external area of the property.”

For more information on storm-proofing your home, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/household-tips/storm-proofing-your-home/

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