Can You Claim on House Insurance for Storm Damage?

By Jim Flannery ACII, Brand Ambassador, OMC Claims. Over 40 years in insurance claims and a founding member of the Irish Claims Consultants Association.

Ireland’s storm season leaves the same trail every year: lifted slates, toppled fences, water where it should not be. The insurance question is usually straightforward, because storm is a standard insured peril, but the outcome of a storm damage insurance claim depends heavily on what you do in the hours before and after the weather hits.

This guide covers preparation when a storm is coming, what your policy responds to, the steps and evidence that carry a claim, and the mistakes that undo them.

What counts as storm damage?

In insurance terms, a storm generally means wind strong enough to cause structural damage, often accompanied by heavy rain or hail. Damage caused directly by that weather, such as slates stripped from a roof, a fence flattened, a tree brought down, or rain entering through storm-created openings, falls under the storm peril.

The frequent dispute is not whether there was a storm, but whether the storm caused the damage or merely revealed existing wear. That distinction, and the full coverage detail, is set out on our storm damage insurance claim page.

What should I do before a storm arrives?

Preparation minimises damage and keeps everyone safe. When Met Eireann issues a warning, work through this list:

• Keep emergency phone numbers accessible, for medical aid, utilities and local authorities, so you can act quickly if something goes wrong

• Charge your mobile phone fully, in case the landline or power fails during the storm

• Secure the home: lock gates, close windows firmly, and bring in or tie down garden furniture, trampolines and anything else the wind can lift

• Protect critical documents by moving them somewhere secure, dry and up off ground level

• Park the car away from trees and unsecured structures

• Photograph the house in its normal condition, especially the roof line. A dated photograph of an intact roof taken before the storm removes the most common insurer argument, that the damage was pre-existing

Does home insurance cover storm damage?

Yes, most home insurance policies cover storm damage, though the extent varies by provider and policy. Cover generally spans three areas: repairs to structural components such as roofs, walls and windows, restoring the home’s integrity after severe weather; replacement or repair of personal belongings inside the home, including furniture, electronics and clothing, subject to policy terms and limits; and the cost of temporary accommodation, such as hotel stays or rental expenses, where the damage makes the home uninhabitable.

As ever, the fine print matters. Understanding your policy’s conditions and exclusions before the storm season saves time and stress when a claim is needed.

Types of storm damage covered

• Roof damage from high winds or hail: lifted slates or ridge tiles, cracked tiles and structural harm that leaves the home exposed to further damage

• Broken windows and doors from flying debris, which compromise security and let wind and rain into the property

• Water damage from heavy rainfall entering the home, affecting walls, ceilings and belongings. Note that damage from rising groundwater or flooding is treated separately and is commonly excluded from storm cover

• Fire damage from lightning strikes, a less common but serious storm consequence

When storm damage claims might be denied

• Pre-existing issues, such as a roof leak that predates the storm: insurers exclude damage stemming from neglect or missed maintenance

• Negligence in securing the property, for example windows or doors left open during the storm; reasonable precautions are expected

• Misunderstanding exclusions: some policies distinguish flooding from rainwater damage, and claiming for an excluded event such as rising groundwater leads to refusal

Steps to take after discovering storm damage

Once you notify the insurer, they will usually appoint a loss adjuster to evaluate the situation. The adjuster’s job is to determine whether the damage is covered and whether the storm was the insured peril responsible, through inspection and review of your evidence. Keep in mind that the adjuster represents the insurer, not you, which is why many policyholders bring in a loss assessor to advocate on their side.

The immediate steps:

• Ensure safety first, checking for hazards such as downed power lines or unstable structures before inspecting anything

• Document the damage with detailed photographs and video, close-ups and wider shots for context, before touching anything

• Notify your insurer promptly to report the damage and start the claim

• Prevent further damage with temporary repairs, such as covering broken windows or sealing holes in a roof with tarpaulins

• Keep receipts for emergency repairs and any temporary accommodation, as part of the claim documentation

How to make a storm damage claim: the burden of proof

One point separates storm claims from most other perils: the responsibility lies with you, as the insured, to demonstrate that the storm caused the damage. Insurers are not obliged to disprove the cause; they evaluate the evidence you provide against the policy criteria.

Building that case means five things. Document the damage immediately, once safe, with clear photographs and video in context. Obtain a weather report or data confirming storm conditions in your area on the date, establishing the direct connection. Met Eireann’s website contains a “daily data” page that logs all weather conditions at each of their weather stations nationwide on a daily basis. Consider engaging a loss assessor to present the evidence effectively; supporting policyholders through storm claims is core work for our team. Retain damaged items where feasible until the insurer has inspected them or confirmed they are no longer needed. And act quickly, because most policies require prompt notification and delay invites complications or denial.

The claim process, step by step

• Notify your insurer immediately, so the claim is logged and processed without delay

• Provide comprehensive evidence: photographs, video, weather data, and receipts for repairs or damaged items

• Complete all claim forms accurately and consistently with the evidence, since discrepancies cause delays and denials

• Consider a loss assessor to represent the claim, ensuring the damage is fully evaluated and a detailed statement of claim is fairly presented

• Maintain regular communication with the insurer throughout, so questions are resolved quickly and the claim keeps moving

Mistakes to avoid

• Failing to report promptly: waiting weakens the claim and can raise questions about its validity

• Overlooking minor damage that worsens over time: hairline cracks and small leaks left unaddressed become extensive repairs that insurers may refuse, citing neglect

• Disposing of damaged items before documenting them: without evidence, losses are hard to prove and payouts shrink

• Misunderstanding policy terms: confusing flood damage with stormwater damage is the classic example that ends in refusal

• Not keeping copies of correspondence: save every email, letter and call note, so there is proof of what was said and agreed

Preventing storm damage in the future

• Trim overhanging trees regularly, so falling branches cannot reach the roof, windows or vehicles

• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items before storms, keeping them from becoming projectiles in high winds

• Inspect and maintain the roof and gutters routinely, catching loose slates and blocked drains before heavy rain finds them

• Consider storm shutters or impact-resistant windows for added protection against wind and debris

If you cannot live in your home

Where storm damage makes the home uninhabitable, most policies include cover for additional living expenses: hotel stays, rental costs or other temporary arrangements until repairs are complete. Check the specific limits and conditions in your policy and raise it with the insurer early. Two storm scenarios bring their own complications: where a tree has come down, ownership and liability questions arise, covered in our guide to claiming for a fallen tree, and where the roof is letting in water, our guide to claiming for a leaking roof deals with the storm and water interaction in detail.

Frequently asked questions

Does my storm cover include flood damage?
Usually not. Flooding is typically treated as a separate risk from storm damage, and may need dedicated flood cover, particularly in flood-prone areas. Clarify the distinction with your insurer before you need it.

What if my roof was already old or damaged?
Policies do not cover pre-existing conditions or wear and tear, but new and distinct damage caused by the storm can still be covered. Be ready to show the damage is storm-related, with photographs, weather records and a roofer’s report. Be careful about submitting an ambiguous roofer’s report as this can lead to declinature inadvertently and is very hard to over-turn.

How long do I have to file a storm damage claim?
Policies set time limits ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Act quickly and inform the insurer as soon as possible, and check your policy for the exact timeframe.

Will my premiums increase after a storm claim?
Possibly, as insurers may view a claim as increased risk. Some policies have a no-claims-discount on the premium which you would lose at the renewal following a claim. The impact depends on the insurer, the claim amount, the policy excess and your history, so discuss it with your provider.

Do I need to hire a loss assessor for a storm claim?
For significant or complex claims it is worth serious consideration. An assessor acts on your behalf to secure a fair settlement, and while the service has a cost, it saves time and typically strengthens the outcome.

What if I disagree with my insurer's assessment?
Request a second opinion or an independent loss assessor’s re-evaluation of the damage and the claim submission escalate through the insurer’s complaints process, and if needed seek mediation through the ombudsman service.

Storm claims are won on preparation and evidence more than argument. OMC Claims acts only for policyholders, across all 26 counties. Contact us for a free, no-obligation conversation.

About OMC Claims

OMC Claims (Owens McCarthy Ltd) is Ireland’s largest independent firms of loss assessors, acting only for policyholders, never for insurers. We provide nationwide coverage, with loss assessors serving Dublin, Cork, Limerick and every other county in Ireland. Part of the Fexco group and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (Registration Number C-46734), our team brings over 250 years of combined claims experience and handles more than 2,000 home and business claims a year, from straightforward domestic losses to large and complex commercial claims. We assess the damage, prepare and value your claim, and negotiate with your insurer to work to secure the settlement you are entitled to.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and aims to provide an overview of storm damage insurance claims. It does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. For guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult a claims professional or your insurance broker/provider.