Home Insurance - Storm Warning

We're all aware of the terrific damage storms have caused in recent years, but despite all the suffering they cause, we all tend to forget about it when the sun's shining and the birds are singing. That's a shame really, as it's just at that time when you could get around to making sure that your home is secure against storm damage.

Falling trees, masonry and roof tiles are the greatest hazards. Obviously they can cause damage to cars and pedestrians, but in the case of roof tiles, they can allow water into the property. Regular inspection and carrying out any necessary repairs can save a whole lot of trouble. If it's a while since you re-assessed your home insurance policy (incidentally if this is the case, you could be paying a lot more than you need - but more about that later) are you really aware of what is included in your cover if it comes to storm damage?

Maintenance means checking out certain things on a regular basis. Start clearing out the gutters to lessen the risk of them blocking and overflowing, particularly if you have nearby trees which shed leaves, producing a soggy mess. (Good for the compost heap by the way). The roof should be checked too, for loose tiles and at the same time check for chimney crack or pointing problems. Trees, rotten branches and any fences or boundary walls should be secure and stable.

Buildings insurance normally covers damage to the actual structure of your home and outbuildings which are used for domestic purposes, your paths and driveways which are caused by flood and storm. Cover may not necessarily be provided for damage which occurs due to heavy rain or extremely high winds. This seems a very unsatisfactory situation, as it's surely still a flood or a storm? However, it needs checking out and you may need to add home emergency cover to your policy if it's not already there. If it's a while since you re-assessed your home insurance policy (incidentally if this is the case, you could be paying a lot more than you need - but more about that later) are you really aware of what is included in your cover if it comes to storm damage?

On a typical policy from one of the well-known insurers, to add home emergency cover to your current policy would cost less than four pounds a month and offers re-assurance that you would be covered for problems with not only roof damage, but plumbing and drainage, heating and power supply. It's not total cover, but it does pay up to a maximum of five hundred pounds per claim to cover a call-out charge. Two hours labour costs, with a maximum of a hundred pounds are allowed for parts and necessary materials.

Several providers will offer this type of cover, but it does vary widely between different ones, so read the small print very carefully to make sure you're getting the cover you need. Whilst talking about small print - if you've been with your current home insurer for a while and got used to just renewing the policy every year, you should consider having a look what other insurers are offering. Don't automatically renew your policy as there could be better deals available. It's simple enough to check and you can do it on-line.