Insuring against extreme weather
Does your home insurance cover you for damage caused by extreme weather?
This year, the UK experienced its hottest summer on record, causing nearly 75% of England to still be in drought in September. The Met Office noted that higher temperatures were made 130 times more likely due to human-induced climate change. The extreme weather conditions are likely to continue, with the Met Office forecasting a wetter and windier autumn than usual. It is therefore more important than ever to check if your home is insured for all eventualities.
Insured for the heat?
Research from Uinsure has found that 60% of policyholders do not know if their home insurance covers them for heat-related damage, such as cracked walls and subsidence. It is essential to know this information as these are becoming increasingly common issues in the face of climate change. One insurer received a record number of subsidence claims in August, reporting a 140% increase when compared with the previous year.
Stormy weather
Heat damage is not the only risk that homeowners should consider. Storm-related damage accounts for 17.2% of home insurance claims. The world is currently bracing itself for a record-breaking El Niño – a natural climate event which sees a rise in the average temperature of the Pacific, caused by trade winds weakening or reversing over the Ocean. The effects of this will be felt across the globe, with the UK likely to experience stormier weather from late Autumn. It is therefore important to be prepared for wetter conditions.
Preparing for a storm
Check your policy to ascertain when you would be covered in a storm, as weather damage to fences and gates is not always included as standard. Also, if the insurer decides that the damage was caused by a lack of maintenance, your claim may not be valid. You should therefore take this opportunity to prepare your home for the oncoming weather. Fix any broken fences, clear your gutters, unblock drains and repair loose roof tiles. If a storm is on its way, make sure to park your car away from trees and store any outdoor furniture that could be blown away.
Time for a new policy?
A third of homeowners don’t switch insurers when their policy is up for renewal. We understand that it might feel easier to stick with what you know, but there could be a different policy which offers more suitable cover. As we adjust to more extreme weather conditions, now is a good time to double check if you are insured during the summer heatwaves and windy winters.
We can source cover that matches your needs – get in touch for advice.
As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.
Sources:
https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/26496328.check-insured-weather-storm-damage/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/articles/cqxv4wj8jxwo
https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/guide/weather-damage/#does-home-insurance-cover-fences
Photo by Chris Gallagher on Unsplash.
