Weather worries: experts reveal how to protect your home ahead of storm warnings

As the Met Office warns of thunderstorms and heavy rain, with yellow warnings coming into place across the UK, Go.Compare home insurance is urging Brits to protect their homes with some simple checks and preparation before the weather worsens.

Storms and extreme weather can be a source of worry for homeowners due to the threat of blackouts and weather damage. With heavy rain and thunderstorms predicted to hit large parts of the UK today and tomorrow (1st and 2nd May), including London and South Wales, Go.Compare home insurance says now is the time to prepare and make sure your home is protected. 

Ceri McMillan, Go.Compare’s home insurance expert, says: “Storms are a frequent event in the UK, but despite them seeming commonplace, you may be concerned about damage to your home, garden and outbuildings if bad weather is on the horizon.

“Your home insurance policy may cover you for various types of storm and weather damage, but we always recommend checking this, as your level of cover will depend on your specific policy. So, take some time to read all the details of your policy to give you that peace of mind.

“There are also lots of things you can do to minimise the risk you might need to make a claim in the first place. Here is our checklist of what to do before extreme weather hits:

• Tidy up - take anything that could blow away or fall over, such as garden furniture, and tuck it safely away if you can.
• Tie down items - secure anything that can’t be packed away to keep it as safe as possible.
• Check and repair your home’s exterior - look out for issues such as cracked windows, leaky roofs and cluttered guttering, and repair them as soon as possible.
• Keep up with general maintenance - insurers may sometimes reject claims if damage seems to be due to wear and tear, or a lack of maintenance, so keep your home and garden well maintained.
• Know your insurance policy inside and out - insurance policies can vary widely in terms of the cover they provide and its limits, so take the time to get to know your policy and exactly what protections it provides. 
• Stock up on blackout essentials - keep torches, blankets, non-perishable food and water within easy reach in case the power goes down. Portable chargers, books and games are also useful to have on hand.

Ceri continued: “In the unfortunate event you do suffer some storm damage to your home or garden, it’s important that you record as many details as you can so that you can give an accurate report to your insurer - so make a note of the time and date, and take pictures if you can, as these will be helpful when it comes to evaluating your claim.

“It’s also really important to make sure you keep up with regular maintenance and repairs at home. This will help prevent any avoidable damage when extreme weather hits. Additionally, damage due to wear and tear or poor upkeep is unlikely to be covered by your home insurance, so this is another reason to be mindful.

For more advice on protecting your home and garden from weather damage, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/weather-damage-and-home-insurance/.

-Ends-