Storm cover explained

What is storm cover?

Storm cover protects against damage caused by a specific weather event, usually involving strong winds, sometimes accompanied by heavy rain, hail or snow. Exceptionally heavy rainfall, hail or snowfall over a short period can also be classed as a storm.

What does it cover?

Depending on your policy, storm cover can help towards the cost of repairing or replacing buildings damaged by high winds, including roofs being blown off or structural damage caused by falling trees.

Some Cornish Mutual property insurance policies (home, let and commercial) include storm cover as standard, but not all. For farm insurance policies, storm cover is an optional extra which needs to be added.

What's not covered?

Storm cover is designed to protect against unexpected damage, rather than problems that develop over time.

For example, damage caused by general wear and tear, poor maintenance or buildings already in a poor state of repair is typically excluded. Buildings should be maintained to withstand normal weather conditions and prevent issues becoming more serious when bad weather arrives. 

Fences, gates and hedges are also typically excluded from storm cover under farm and let property policies. Under home insurance, fence damage in isolation is excluded but may be covered if buildings are also damaged.

What about fallen trees?

Strong winds often bring down trees, causing damage to buildings and other property.

Where a fallen tree damages an insured building during a storm, the resulting damage is covered where a policy includes storm cover. This includes trees belonging to you or your neighbours. 

The cost of removing fallen trees is only covered if they have damaged insured property, removal is necessary to repair the building, and your policy includes storm cover.

Have you considered the full cost of storm damage?

Repairing a storm-damaged building involves more than replacing roofing materials. Scaffolding and specialist asbestos removal and disposal can add significantly to the bill.

Your building’s sum insured should reflect the full rebuilding cost, including these expenses. It is the maximum we will pay for a claim, subject to your policy’s terms, limits and excess. Setting it too low could leave you underinsured.

Our in-house building valuation tool can help you establish an appropriate figure.

Plan for disruption as well as damage

Storm disruption can continue long after the wind dies down. A practical plan can help you manage interruptions at home and keep your farm or business running.

Prepare for power cuts by keeping a torch, spare batteries, charged power banks and important contact numbers handy.

Don’t wait until a storm is forecast

If you have a farm policy without storm cover, we must inspect your building and confirm it is in good repair before adding cover.

Contact us early to allow time for an inspection and any necessary maintenance. Planning ahead also gives you time to review building values and prepare for severe weather.

Storm preparation checklist

·         Do I know which buildings have storm cover?

·         Are my buildings and fences in good repair, including roofs, flashing and guttering?

·         Does my sum insured reflect the full rebuilding cost?

·         Have I arranged any necessary professional assessments of nearby trees?

·         Do I have a plan for disruption at home, on the farm or in the business?

Is your cover up to date?

If you're unsure what your policy includes, or you've made changes to your buildings, we can help you review your cover and discuss whether any adjustments are needed.

Taking a few minutes to check now can help avoid a surprise should the worst happen.

To review your storm cover or discuss your insurance needs, contact your local Field Insurance Advisor or call our Member Services team on 01872 277 151.