A storm passes, and in the morning there are slates in the garden, a ridge tile on the drive or a new stain on the bedroom ceiling. Most people’s next thought is the insurance. But roof claims are often turned down, and the reason is usually the same: the insurer decides the damage wasn’t caused by the storm, or not mainly by it.
This guide explains what to do after storm damage, how insurers and the Financial Ombudsman look at roof claims, why wear and tear matters so much, and how an independent report can help you put your evidence together.
First steps after the storm
- Stay safe. Don’t go onto the roof or up a ladder. Keep clear of anything that could still fall.
- Limit the damage inside. Buckets under drips, move belongings and electrics, and turn off electrics near any water if it’s safe to.
- Take photographs. Fallen slates, the roof from the ground, ceilings and walls inside. Date them.
- Keep anything that fell. Slates, tiles and pieces of flashing can be useful evidence.
- Note the date and time. Write down when you noticed the damage and what the weather was doing.
- Tell your insurer promptly. Check your policy for what it expects you to do.
What insurers and the Ombudsman look at
Each insurer decides claims on its own policy wording. If you disagree with a decision, you can complain to the insurer and then to the Financial Ombudsman. The Financial Ombudsman looks at three questions:
- Were there storm conditions on or around the date the damage happened?
- Is the damage consistent with damage a storm typically causes?
- Were the storm conditions the main cause of the damage?
All three usually need to be answered “yes”. A real storm on the right date isn’t enough if the damage looks like something that built up over years. Equally, a roof that wasn’t brand new can still suffer genuine storm damage. The question is what mainly caused the damage you’re claiming for.
Why wear and tear claims are turned down
Wear and tear is usually excluded from buildings insurance. Many roof claims are declined because the insurer believes the storm only showed up a problem that was already there. Typical examples are:
- slates that slipped because their nails had corroded over many years;
- ridge tiles whose bedding mortar had already cracked and come loose;
- flashings that had split or lifted long before the storm;
- a flat roof that leaked through old splits once heavy rain arrived.
Old damage and new damage can sit side by side on the same roof. Separating them is where good evidence matters. Our guide to slipped slates and nail fatigue explains one of the most common grey areas.
Want a roof surveyed? We cover London and the South East, with written reports and photos from £150 including VAT. Book a survey or call 07833 053749.
Policy wording and wind speeds
Read your policy’s definition of a storm. Many policies treat gusts of about 55 mph as storm conditions, but it varies by policy, and some also mention heavy rain, snow or hail. Look for exclusions too, such as wear and tear, gradual damage and damage to gates and fences.
It helps to find weather records for the date. Your insurer will check these, and having them yourself means you know where you stand. Keep a copy of your policy documents, any letters from the insurer, and records of past roof work. Receipts showing the roof was maintained can help answer questions about its condition before the storm.
How an independent roof report helps
A storm damage roof report is an independent record of the damage, for you to give to your insurer. It sets out:
- what is damaged, part by part;
- photographs of each area;
- the likely cause, in our view;
- the evidence of storm damage and the evidence of wear, side by side.
Where the roof is hard to see, a drone roof survey can get close-up photographs without anyone going up. If water is coming in and the source isn’t obvious, a roof leak investigation may be needed as well. Our storm damage report starts from £150.
The report is written in plain English, so you, your insurer and any roofer can follow it. Because it’s independent, it isn’t tied to any quote for repair work. You decide what to do with it and who to share it with.
What we can’t do
We are not loss adjusters, and we don’t act for you or for the insurer. We can’t say whether a claim will be paid. That’s the insurer’s decision, under the policy wording. Our report gives an honest view of what we found, which may include wear as well as storm damage. If the evidence points to wear, the report will say so. That’s what makes it useful as an independent record.
Our survey is a specialist roof survey. It isn’t a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 building survey, and it isn’t a structural engineer’s report. If a report finds structural movement or damage beyond the roof, we’ll say so and recommend the right specialist.
Getting the timing right
Evidence is best collected soon after the storm, before temporary repairs change what can be seen. If emergency work is needed to keep water out, photograph everything first and keep any removed materials. Check with your insurer what they need before work starts.
After a big storm many people need roofers at once. A clear report can help you brief them and compare quotes. See our winter roof checklist for checks to do from the ground before the next one. To book a storm damage report, call 07833 053749 or contact us. We survey roofs on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Quick answers
Why was my storm damage claim turned down?
Often because the insurer decided wear and tear, not the storm, was the main cause. Check the reasons and the policy wording.
What wind speed counts as a storm?
Many policies treat gusts of about 55 mph as storm conditions, but it varies, so check your own policy.
Are you loss adjusters?
No. We give an independent record of the roof damage for you to give to your insurer. We can’t say whether a claim will be paid.
Can I complain if my claim is refused?
Yes. Complain to your insurer first, then you can take it to the Financial Ombudsman.
Should I get repairs done before the report?
Photograph everything first and ask your insurer. Temporary work to keep water out may be needed, but evidence comes first.
Related services
More advice
- Winter Roof Checklist for Homeowners
- Why Roof Leaks Are So Hard to Find
- Slipped Slates and Nail Fatigue Explained
- Comparing Roofer Quotes: What to Check
- All advice
This guide is general information about roofs and roof surveys. It isn’t legal, insurance or structural engineering advice; for those, speak to a suitably qualified professional.