A storm ripping tiles off a roof is stressful enough on its own. Wondering whether your insurer will actually pay for the repair only adds to it. In Beckenham, mature trees and exposed roof slopes both add risk during winter gales.
So that question comes up often. The short answer is that UK home insurance generally covers storm damage. But a wear-and-tear exclusion sits alongside that cover. It catches out more homeowners than you’d expect. This guide sets out what’s typically covered, what isn’t, and how to build a claim that holds up.
What UK home insurance typically covers
Standard buildings insurance covers sudden, unexpected damage. Storm damage sits squarely in that category. According to the Association of British Insurers’ storm FAQs, your buildings policy should usually cover that repair cost.
This applies whether high winds strip tiles from your roof, or a fallen branch punches a hole in it. MoneyHelper’s guidance for homeowners hit by a storm confirms the same point. However, cover can vary between insurers and policy levels. It’s worth checking your own schedule rather than assuming.
The wear-and-tear exclusion that trips people up
Here’s the catch: insurers don’t cover damage caused by wear and tear or a lack of maintenance. They only cover damage that the storm itself really caused. In other words, your roof’s condition matters here. If yours was already past its working life, or poorly maintained, an insurer may argue the storm simply exposed an existing problem.
In their view, it didn’t cause a new one. The ABI’s own advice is to keep gutters clear, flashings sound and loose tiles fixed promptly. Since insurers are far less likely to reduce or decline a claim on a well-maintained roof, treat small repairs as routine maintenance rather than letting several build up at once.
Who has to prove what
The good news is, the burden of proof isn’t entirely on the homeowner. The Financial Ombudsman Service explains that insurers must show a wear-and-tear exclusion really applies. They can’t simply assert it.
When a claim is disputed, the Ombudsman looks at three things. Did storm conditions actually occur at the property? Is the damage consistent with that kind of storm?
And did the storm truly cause the damage, or merely highlight the roof’s pre-existing condition? A storm generally involves violent winds, usually with rain, hail or snow. Still, the Ombudsman also accepts that extreme rainfall or snowfall alone can sometimes qualify, even without high winds.
How to make a claim
Report the damage to your insurer as soon as it’s safe to do so. Avoid permanent repairs until they’ve confirmed how to proceed. Temporary measures to stop further damage, such as a tarpaulin over an exposed area, are still usually fine and often expected.
Keep dated photos of the damage, taken as soon as possible after the storm. The Ombudsman treats clear reports with detailed photos as some of the most convincing evidence in a dispute. It also helps to note the date and general weather conditions.
That’s because insurers and the Ombudsman both check claims against historic weather records for the address. If your policy includes an excess, check it against the likely repair cost before starting the process. A small, contained repair may not clear that threshold, even when the storm genuinely caused it.
What a roofer’s report needs to show
A useful report does more than say “storm damage.” Specifically, it should describe what’s actually visible: which tiles are missing or cracked, and whether flashings have lifted. It should also note whether the damage pattern matches the direction the storm came from. A good report notes the roof’s general condition and age too. That context is exactly what an insurer or the Ombudsman will weigh against a wear-and-tear argument.
We provide that kind of detailed written report as part of our emergency roofing call-outs across Beckenham, Bromley and Petts Wood. We write it specifically so you can hand it straight to your insurer.
Quick summary
Insurance usually covers storm damage; it doesn’t cover ordinary wear and tear. Insurers must show that an exclusion genuinely applies — they can’t just assume it. Keep on top of small repairs, and document damage promptly and thoroughly.
Get a professional report before you start any permanent fix. If a storm has left your roof needing urgent attention, get a free quote and we’ll assess it. We’ll provide a written report you can pass straight to your insurer.
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