Home Insurance Tips for Bad Weather

Bad weather can be disastrous to a home with millions of people claiming on their home insurance policies every year for flood, wind and rain damage. However, many of those making a claim will be disappointed that they don’t receive the payout they were expecting because their policies were not comprehensive enough.

So what should you look for in a home insurance policy to protect you from bad weather? Here is our guide.

Home insurance policy options for bad weather

The first thing to do is to check your existing policy and ensure that you have sufficient cover for the rebuild value of your home as well as for its contents. You may need to update the cover to include any recent extensions you have added to your home or any new contents you have bought.

From there, look for new for old replacements on items. Many insurers now offer this coverage which will replace any damaged items with brand new alternatives when repair is not feasible.

It can be worthwhile taking out domestic emergency cover too. This will protect your home against unexpected emergencies caused by bad weather such as a loss of heating, electrical failure, or problems with plumbing and drainage. There is also usually protection for ovens, cookers and hobs and you should look for a 24/7 helpline to be included so that you can contact the insurer as soon as the problem occurs.

How can you avoid making a home insurance claim?

While you can’t control the elements there are plenty of steps you can take to minimise the damage that bad weather does to your property. You can prepare for bad weather in its various forms in numerous ways – some of which may even earn you a discount from your home insurance provider.

For example, you can fit draught proofing around windows and doors to limit wind and rain damage. Another good tip is to regularly examine the roof for loose tiles to ensure it is in a good state of repair; and you could also get a tradesman to carry out any repair work and also to check and clear the gutters. Look for peeling paintwork and loose putty as this can cause your windows to swell and jam if water is able to seep in.

If you live in a flood risk zone there are many steps that need to be taken to minimize the chances of flood damage getting out of hand. For example, check your drains for debris and clear as necessary. Be aware of how to turn off the gas, electric and water, and keep a flood kit upstairs with important items such as warm clothes, tinned food and a First Aid kit. Have a plan in place so you can move personal effects upstairs and ensure you have sandbags ready to minimize the water that enters your home.

If you’re hit by severe snow or ice then call a tradesman to clear the roof for you – in case it melts through. Also be careful if you have to shovel snow and ideally push it in front of you rather than over your shoulder.

Prepare your home for the risk of frozen pipes too. Insulate unheated rooms and keep the heat ticking over at around 14C if you go away for a few days. If your pipes do freeze then heat them slowly with a hot water bottle to avoid cracks.

The garden is important too. It’s best to tidy the garden up after each use so that there are no loose items that could cause damage in severe winds. Bring in, or cover furniture and sweep up any debris that might make paths slippery. It’s also worth cutting off and tying back any tree limbs that might cause problems in high winds.

Generally, the key to preparing your home for bad weather is to keep the property well maintained. Make sure you service your boiler and heating appliances; sweep chimneys and flues; check loft and pipe insulation as well as roofs and gutters; and ensure you have sandbags and salt ready in case a flood or ice strikes.

How can you find the home insurance you need?

Check your existing home insurance policy to see how well you are covered against damage from bad weather. If you’re unhappy then compare home insurance online with a comparison website and find a home insurance deal that’s right for you.