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What is covered by home insurance after a storm?
The type of storm damage covered by home insurance depends on what caused it and what was damaged:
- Roofs, roof tiles, and slates
- Windows and doors
- Walls, floors, and ceilings
- Garages, sheds, and outbuildings (subject to policy terms)
- Contents within the home
- Alternative accommodation, if your home becomes uninhabitable
Did you know: Several home insurance policies also offer home emergency cover for urgent repairs such as storm or accidental roof damage that leaves your home unsafe.
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What level of cover is available?
Storm damage insurance cover is limited to the sums insured on your home insurance policy.
The level of cover for your building if damaged in a storm is based on its rebuild cost, while contents within your home are covered up to the sum you selected when purchasing or renewing the policy.
Is additional cover available?
Yes, most insurers offer additional cover that can extend your policy to include items or damage that isn’t standard under storm insurance.
Garden cover is an optional extension to home insurance that can protect your outdoor space and items designed to be kept outside permanently. This can include garden furniture, equipment, plants, and other movable outdoor items that may not be covered under standard storm damage insurance.
Some providers offer accidental damage as an optional extra for buildings or contents insurance. This can provide additional protection for sudden and unexpected damage that isn’t covered under standard storm cover.
Some providers exclude weather-related damage under this extension, so it’s important to check before purchasing this additional cover.
What is not covered?
Storm damage may not be covered by your policy if it results from:
- Poor maintenance or wear and tear
- Frost, subsidence, ground heave, and landslips
- Existing damage, even if the storm has worsened it
- Damage to outdoor features such as fences, gates, hedges, and other landscaping
- The cost of removing fallen trees or branches (unless they have damaged your property)
- Open-fronted or open-sided outbuildings
Cost of storm damage insurance
Storm damage insurance is usually included as part of buildings and contents insurance. Factors such as your property value, location, level of cover, and claims history will determine the overall cost of your home insurance.
For more information, see our guide to home insurance costs.
Who offers storm damage cover as standard in Ireland?
The following providers offer storm damage cover under their home insurance policies:
AXA
Aviva
FBD
Allianz Ireland
OUTsurance
RedClick
Zurich
123.ie
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How to claim compensation for storm damage
Making a storm damage claim can be a difficult process. Follow these steps to give your storm claim the best chance of being assessed and settled successfully:
- 1
Check the damage and make the property safe – Take all reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Contact your insurer as soon as possible, using the 24/7 emergency assistance number if needed.
- 2
Document all damage – Take clear photos and videos before repairs begin. Where possible, keep any damaged items, receipts for emergency repairs, and receipts for additional expenses as they may be used as evidence when assessing the claim.
- 3
Submit your claim – Have all policy details and relevant documents to hand. You may need proof of ownership, invoices, or receipts for damaged belongings. Keep a record of all communications with the insurer.
- 4
Arrange an inspection and repairs – Your insurer will assess the damage and determine what is covered. You may have to use approved tradespeople for repairs.
- 5
Agree on a settlement and complete repairs – Once the damage and repair costs are assessed, your insurer will agree to the settlement with you before repairs are completed. Disagreements over the value or extent of the damage can delay the process.
Top tip: Do not carry out permanent repairs until your insurer has assessed the damage, unless they are necessary to make the property safe or prevent further damage.
Our guide to making a home insurance compensation claim explains the process in more detail.
Learn more about cover options
Storms are unpredictable and can cause different types of damage to your home. It’s important to know how your home insurance cover protects you against weather damage and other risks.
Storms often bring heavy rainfall, leading to floods. Water damage insurance covers issues that can arise including sudden leaks, water escaping from household appliances, and burst pipes.
Severe weather can increase the risk of fire through lightning strikes and electrical damage. Fire damage cover protects your home and belongings against such damage.
Climate change is increasing the risk of extreme weather, storms, and flooding. Insuring your home against global warming provides cover against these risks.
FAQs
There is no single wind speed or Met Éireann warning level that defines a storm across all Irish insurers. For example, Allianz and 123.ie define a storm as strong winds exceeding 47 knots (87 km/h) that may be accompanied by heavy rain, snow, or sleet.
Yes, damage to your roof is usually covered under home insurance as long as it is caused directly by a storm. Some providers also offer home emergency cover for storm or accidental roof damage if your home is left unsecured.
Check your roof for gaps such as missing or damaged tiles. Inspect all entry points to your home including windows and doors for damage. Look for any wide, diagonal or stepped cracks in the walls as this could indicate structural damage and should be professionally inspected.
A storm damage claim may be rejected if it is thought that the damage existed before the storm, if the property was poorly maintained, or if temporary repairs were not carried out to limit further damage following the storm, such as covering a damaged roof with a tarpaulin. Failing to take all reasonable steps here could affect your claim.
The length of a storm damage claim depends on the extent of damage and how complex the repairs are. Minor claims may be resolved in 2-3 weeks, while substantial damage involving structural repairs or reroofing can take 4-6 weeks or longer. Extensive rebuilding work can take several months. High volumes of claims following a major storm can also slow the claims process.
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