From early December 2013, storm after storm crossed the country, with severe gales, heavy rain and coastal surges. The latest, on Friday 14 February 2014, brought gusts of more than 100 miles per hour on the south coast. Many owners, landlords and managing agents were left dealing with missing slates, lifted flat roofs, fallen chimneys and water coming through ceilings.
First, make it safe
- Keep people away from loose masonry, chimneys and roof coverings.
- Arrange emergency temporary work, such as sheeting a roof or removing a dangerous chimney pot. Insurers expect you to prevent further damage.
- Photograph the damage before and after the temporary work, and keep any removed materials if you can.
- Tell your insurer as soon as possible.
Why storm claims are reduced or declined
Buildings policies usually cover storm damage, but they also exclude wear and tear and gradual deterioration. The insurer will ask whether the storm caused the damage, or simply revealed a roof that was already failing. Common issues include:
- The definition of storm. Many policies refer to wind speeds or rainfall levels. Check the wording.
- Condition before the storm. Rusted nails, rotten battens or perished flat roof coverings point to existing decay.
- Flat roofs. Policies sometimes treat these differently, and their condition will be scrutinised.
- Delay. Damage that worsened because it was left unattended may not be covered.
Getting the reinstatement right
A sound claim separates storm damage from existing disrepair and prices each fairly. Where the damage is genuine, the policy should pay to reinstate it properly, not just patch it. In older and listed buildings, that often means matching slates, tiles and details, with consent where needed. Water that entered the building also needs proper drying before internal reinstatement.
Looking ahead
Records of regular roof and gutter inspections are useful evidence when a claim is made. A building that is well maintained is easier to insure and easier to claim on.
Our Insurance Claims and Reinstatement service handles storm claims from first visit to final account. See how we managed the total loss reinstatement of a commercial unit, and how Planned Preventative Maintenance keeps roofs in a defensible condition.