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Fifth of Britons hit by storm damage in last five years - how to protect your home

More than a fifth of UK homes have suffered from storm damage in the last five years, new research has suggested. We look at how to protect your home during bad weather.

As the UK enters storm season, insurer Aviva found 22% of UK homes suffered storm damage in the last five decades, while one in eight (12%) homes has experienced a flood in that time.

Almost a fifth of all Aviva's home insurance claims related to storm damage between 2020 and 2024, it said, as the country faces more extreme weather patterns.

In February 2022, 71% of all Aviva's home insurance claims were due to storm damage.

The 2023/24 winter brought 12 named storms to the UK, the highest number since the Met Office introduced the naming system in 2015.

However, a survey of 2,000 people for Aviva found only 34% thought climate change would impact their home in 2025, down from 38% the year before.

Those living in the highest flood risk areas are less likely to think climate change will impact their home in the next year, with only 28% believing this will happen, Aviva found.

The UK's storm season usually takes place between October and March, but Storm Lilian hit at the end of August this year.

Laura Lazarus, head of personal lines home claims, at Aviva, said it was important homeowners were prepared before extreme weather hits.

She added: “This can include inspecting the roof for damaged or missing tiles to help prevent leaks, securing outdoor items and preparing an emergency kit with essentials just in case. Staying informed via reliable weather forecasts can also make a significant difference in ensuring personal safety and minimising damage to property.

“The right home insurance is also crucial in helping provide financial protection and peace of mind to customers during extreme weather events, ensuring that individuals and families can recover and rebuild after any destructive storms."

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How to storm-proof your home

Storms can highlight defects or damage to a property due to lack of maintenance. This may invalidate your home insurance if providers can see the damage is due to you neglecting your home, so be sure to stay on top of repairs and read your policy documents to see what is and isn't covered.

To protect your home from the elements, Aviva says you should:

  • Inspect your roof for missing or loose tiles.
  • Store garden furniture away.
  • Clear gutters and drains, and ensure they're attached securely.
  • Sign up to flood warnings in your area.
  • Read your insurance documents so you know what's covered and who to call if you need it.

If you're at risk of flooding:

  • Move your valuables up to a higher level
  • Prepare an emergency kit of warm clothes, medicines, torch, batteries, house and car keys, bottled water, in case you need to leave your home.
  • Close all doors and windows to stop water coming in your property.
  • Only try to repair damage after the storm is over.

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Helen Barnett

Helen is a journalist, editor and copywriter with 15 years' experience writing across print and digital publications. She previously edited the Daily Express website and has won awards as a reporter. Read more here.

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