The Met Office is claiming Storm Éowyn was one of the strongest storms in the last 10 years, and, with wind gusts of up to 100mph (160km/h), Brits across the nation braced themselves for a rough few days.
Extreme weather is nothing new in the UK, yet many residents still haven’t protected themselves against the financial impacts of storms. Protecting your property with home or car insurance is essential to avoid unexpected bills that can throw off your budget.
In this article, we are covering everything you need to know about storm insurance in the UK and how you can prevent extra costs when the winds pick up.
Storms, floods and strong winds can lead to expensive home repairs, vehicle damage and unexpected travel insurance costs for delays or cancellations.
Understanding these impacts is key to financial preparedness, as it helps you avoid big bills and gives you the confidence to budget for emergency weather events.
Looking for storm Insurance in the UK? The three main types of insurance to consider are:
Below, we will dive into each category in more detail.
However, as a general note, remember that the extent of insurance coverage and compensation depends heavily on the nature of the damage and the specific terms of your policy.
Learn more about the importance of insurance here.
Yes, home insurance does help with storm damage, and luckily, most policies cover properties and contents if storm damage occurs.
Some policies even allow for temporary accommodation while the damage is fixed.
Home insurance policies typically cover damage caused by wind, rain and falling debris. However, policies vary and flood insurance coverage may need to be added separately.
Comprehensive car insurance usually covers storm damage, including flooding, debris or hail.
Weather-related incidents are often called "Acts of God" and are deemed unavoidable, but knowing what your car insurance covers is important, as some may have specific exclusions or limits.
If your car is damaged in a storm and you only have third-party cover, you won't be able to make a claim.
Snow, ice and storms can cause major transport disruptions, including blocked roads and flight delays.
If you are travelling or on holiday, check your travel insurance policy to see if it covers weather disruptions – some include it automatically, while others charge extra.
Most policies cover trips over a couple of nights, but disruptions must be unexpected. Keep all receipts for emergency travel or accommodation in case you need to provide them as evidence to reclaim costs.
And if you haven’t got travel insurance, this is your sign to get it when you next travel!
When it comes to extreme weather in the UK, most of us are understandably worried about personal safety. However, protecting yourself against the financial impacts of storms is just as important.
This requires proactive planning, including emergency savings, comprehensive insurance and awareness of your coverage.
With good personal financial knowledge, you can start preparing today.
Can I use Polar Credit towards house renovations?
Why do I need travel insurance on holiday?
For more helpful information about how to manage your money, different financial products or what we do at Polar Credit, take a look at our Info Hub.