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Storm help and guidance

Stormy weather can take us all by surprise and cause havoc. If you know a storm is coming, it's important you react quickly but calmly. Here are some simple steps you can take to help protect your home against storms.

How to get prepared before a storm

This is general advice about how to maintain your property. It's not a reflection of the cover we provide. If you are an existing customer looking to understand your policy, you can view your policy documents online.

Inspect your roof

Make sure there aren't any loose or broken tiles that could blow off and damage property or injure people.

Keep rain out

Check that your windows and doors fit securely and that the seals aren’t damaged. Have a look at your guttering to see if it's securely fitted and not blocked. Blocked downpipes create overspill so make sure they are clear.

Secure everything outside

Make sure fences and gates are sturdy. Try to secure garden furniture, bins, trampolines, plant pots and anything that isn’t tied down which could be blown around. If it can’t be secured, try and move it to a sheltered part of your garden or further away from your home.

Put an emergency kit together

Keep a torch, candles and lighter, tinned food, warm clothing and blankets in a waterproof bag.

Make a list of emergency contacts

Add numbers to your mobile for local tradespeople. You might need a roofer, plumber and electrician, as well as numbers for your utility and insurance companies.

Insurance policy documents

Make sure you have these to hand.

Storms can cause flooding

Read more about how to get prepared for a flood.

What to do during a storm

Do

  • stay inside and wait for the storm to pass
  • have your emergency kit close to hand
  • turn off your gas and electric If you are at risk of flooding.

Don't

  • go outside to try and repair damage during the storm
  • touch the electricity supply if you are standing in water.

What to do if your home is damaged by a storm

  1. Get in touch as soon as you can to let us know what’s happened. You can make a claim online or call us.
  2. Remove any damaged contents. Don’t throw them away as you may need them later for your claim.
  3. Keep samples of your carpets and rugs if you can.
  4. Take photographs and make a list of all damaged items to help support your claim.

Top questions on storm claims

  • Strong winds over 55 mph are a storm, and/or hail or snow that is strong enough to break glass or damage hard surfaces. 

    Rain alone doesn’t count as a storm. If heavy rain of 25mm or more in a day causes damage inside your home, we may review your claim. We’ll consider internal damage if you weren’t aware of any external damage.

    When you make a storm damage claim, we’ll verify the weather in your area using specialist data.

    We don't cover wear and tear, and we won't accept claims if the weather doesn’t meet these thresholds.

  • Storms can be highly local, and nearby weather stations don’t always detect them. That’s why we carry out extra checks to confirm if a storm happened and whether the damage matches typical storm conditions.

    If needed, we’ll send an expert to inspect the damage and help determine what happened.

  • Wear and tear refers to the natural ageing and gradual damage your home experiences over time. Roof tiles can loosen as nails rust, cracks may form around chimneys or ridges, and flat roofs often sag or split as they get older. Your insurance policy does not cover this type of damage.

    Why does it matter in a storm?

    Storms often expose existing problems rather than create new ones. We check whether the storm caused the damage or simply revealed an issue that needed repair. Homes that receive regular maintenance and timely repairs usually withstand severe weather better.

    What does insurance cover?

    Insurance protects you against sudden, unexpected event, not routine repairs or general upkeep. Keeping your home in good condition is essential for staying covered and avoiding costly surprises.

  • Regular home maintenance helps prevent damage during storms. Keep everything in good repair to protect your property.

    Essential checks and repairs

    • Fix loose or damaged roof tiles.
    • Repair seals on windows, flashing, and pointing.
    • Clear guttering and drains to avoid water build-up.

    Roofs need to be in good condition, but they can be hard to inspect. Ask a local builder or property surveyor to check for moss build-up, missing pointing, or gaps between tiles, these signs mean you need to make repairs.

    Roof lifespan

    Pitched roofs last longer than flat roofs. Flat felt roofs usually need maintenance or renewal every 10 to 15 years depending on materials.

    Internal and external checks

    • Inside, look for light in the loft, torn under-felt, or damp patches near windows and doors.
    • Outside, remove loose or overhanging branches from nearby trees. If the tree isn’t yours, contact the owner.

    Important reminder

    Insurance does not cover storm damage to fences, hedges or gates. Keep your home in good condition to avoid costly surprises.

  • No, your insurance doesn't cover storm damage to fences and gates.

    Steps to prepare your fence for bad weather

    • Inspect regularly. Look for weak spots, loose panels, and rot at the base of posts.
    • Secure and strengthen. Tighten fixings, replace damaged panels and reinforce posts. Replace rotted sections straight away.
    • Upgrade materials. Consider wind-resistant panels and concrete posts for better durability.
    • Prevent extra strain. Clear debris and trim overhanging branches to avoid added pressure during storms.

  • Not always. Weather warnings and named storms highlight risks to people rather than property. They’re often regional, so even if warnings happen simultaneously, they may affect other areas, not yours.

    Subscribe to Met Office weather warnings and monitor local alerts for named storms

  • Insurance does not cover food in your fridge, so focus on protecting your frozen items.

    Keep the freezer door shut

    Food in your freezer usually lasts up to 12 hours if you don’t open the door. For longer outages, contact your electricity supplier, they might compensate you.

    How to claim for spoiled food

    Take photos of all affected items before throwing it away. Save any communication from the power company about the outage to include with your claim.

Customer story

How home insurance supported Mrs Jones after a terrible storm damaged her home.

 

Ride out the storm

“We were so grateful that the whole process was in the best hands.”

She moved into a hotel, refunded by us, while the builders fixed the damage to make the home safe again. And we kept her informed at every stage.

Watch our short video to see how home insurance helped Mrs Jones after a storm damaged her home (1 minute long).

 

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Halifax Home Insurance Select underwritten by Lloyds Bank General Insurance Limited.

Halifax is a division of Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 169628.