Global warming is an ever increasing reason for concern in Ireland since climate change is likely to bring rising sea levels and higher rainfall, leading to coastal erosion and higher risks of storm, high winds, and flooding, especially coastal flooding. 

It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the effects of climate change on our Irish weather systems. Storms, floods, weather warnings and weather events mean that damage to our homes can be a source of anxiety, even more so coming into the winter months.

Is home insurance going to protect your home from global warming? Lets look at the best options for protecting your property from extreme weather. 

Protect your Home against Global Warming

Table of Content

Property damage

Erratic weather and storms as well as rain, hail, and snow may lead to property damage so you will want to ensure that you are protected from unexpected expenses and loss related to storm or weather damage to your home. 

Types of damage include:

  • Roof damage
  • Damage caused by falling trees
  • Water damage, ingress of water
  • Frozen pipes
  • Wind damage
  • Sewer back up
  • Loss of power
  • Damage to windows
  • Snow damage

Does home insurance cover storm damage?

Loss and damage caused by unforeseen events such as storms is usually covered by your home insurance although there may be some exclusions. Home buildings and contents home insurance cover will protect your home in the event of a storm.

Your buildings cover will protect your home from damage to the structure of the building such as roof damage, water damage, damage from falling trees, for example. 

You will be protected by your buildings cover for repair and rebuild of your home up to the total rebuild cost included in your policy.

Your contents cover may protect you if your belongings are damaged in a storm, but many home insurance policies do not cover contents damaged by flooding. 

It’s important to read the small print to ensure that you are familiar with the cover provided by your home insurance policy.

Storm or flood damage to external fixtures such as fences, gates, or hedges, however, is unlikely to be covered. 

Check which outdoor features or outbuildings are covered in your policy as you may need to add them specifically to ensure they are protected.

Is all damage due to weather covered by my home insurance?

Depending on the small print in your home insurance policy, your home insurance should protect you for the cost of repairs to your home and cover the cost of alternative accommodation while your home is uninhabitable where there is storm damage.

What is considered a storm?

There can be some discrepancies in what is considered a ‘storm’ by your insurance company, with wind speed being a potential determinant of a storm. 

Generally, a storm is defined by wind speed, which may be accompanied by heavy rain, hail, or snow. Damage to your home due to freezing weather and snowfall will also generally be covered, depending on your policy.

Maintenance

However, it’s important to note that storm damage may be difficult to prove. You may be liable for damage if it is due to neglect of your property such as failure to take reasonable preventative measures where extreme weather is forecast.

You may have to prove that your home has been maintained and that damage does not result from a lack of maintenance or from wear and tear, such as missing roof tiles or blocked gutters, which is not covered by home insurance.

Can I insure my home if it is in an area at high risk of flooding?

Higher levels of rainfall caused by climate change can cause coastal and inland flooding. We have all seen news reports of cities and towns that have been decimated by flooding in recent years.

High risk areas

If you are in an area that is deemed to be at high risk of flooding, then you may struggle to get home insurance cover or you may find that you face high premiums or exclusions in your home insurance cover. You may find that your home insurance does not protect you in the event of flooding.

You may also find that your home insurance protects the structure of your home but that your contents may not be covered for flood damage. 

If you have been previously affected by flooding and struggle to obtain home insurance cover, or you live in an area prone to flooding it can help to speak to an experienced insurance advisor as they have an insight into the market and may be able to find you home insurance cover.

high risk home

What should I do if my home is damaged in a storm?

Firstly, after you have checked that all of the occupants of your home are unharmed, you will need to assess the structural safety of your home. If your property is damaged, leave immediately as it may be unsound or at risk of further damage or fire.

Secure the property if you can and contact your home insurer as soon as possible. Most insurers have a 24/7 emergency contact number and most also provide emergency call out assistance where you have home emergency cover.

Document any damage as best you can and take lots of photos, if it is safe to do so. Any evidence you have may help in your claim. Keep a record also of any contact you have with the insurance company.

You may need to have the property assessed by a professional to ascertain whether it is safe to return.

Keep anything which has been damaged, such as your possessions if they have been damaged by water as they may need to be examined by the insurance company for evidence of damage to your property.

If you need to carry out emergency repairs to your home, keep any receipts as they may be covered by your policy, your insurer may provide you with a list of approved tradespeople. If you need to find alternative accommodation this may also be covered by your home insurance.

Contact Compare Insurance

If you are concerned about the effects of climate change on your home and how best to protect yourself from unexpected home damage, speak to Compare insurance. Extreme weather, storms, and floods can all wreak havoc on your home and lead to costly repair bills.

Even if you have struggled to find home insurance cover for your property, our insurance specialists can discuss your property and your needs with you and may be able to help you to find insurance cover for peace of mind. 

Get a quote for home insurance online today and see how the leading insurance companies compare. Complete our online assessment and get the lowest quotes or speak to a Central Bank regulated insurance advisor.

offering the best advice for you in purchasing insurance