Storm damage to your roof: how to make a home insurance claim

When a storm blows tiles off your roof, the first questions are usually "is it safe?" and "will my insurance pay?". This guide explains how roof storm claims normally work in the UK, why many are turned down, and what evidence gives yours the best chance.

This is general guidance, not insurance or legal advice. Always read your own policy wording and speak to your insurer.

Quick answer: does home insurance cover storm damage to a roof?

Most buildings insurance policies cover sudden damage caused by a storm, such as tiles or a ridge blown off in high winds. They normally do not cover wear and tear, gradual leaks, or damage that happened because the roof was already in poor condition.

So the key question is not just "was there a storm?" but "did the storm actually cause this damage?"

The three questions every storm claim is judged on

When a storm claim is disputed, the Financial Ombudsman Service looks at three questions. If the answer to any of them is no, the claim is unlikely to succeed:

1. Were there storm conditions on or around the date of the damage?
2. Is the damage consistent with what a storm typically causes?
3. Were the storm conditions the main cause of the damage?

Many policies define a storm by wind speed. Some insurers use winds of at least 55 mph as their benchmark, but definitions vary, so check yours. You can check local weather records for the date of the damage.

Why roof storm claims get turned down

What to do straight after storm damage

1. Stay safe. Don't go on the roof or into a loft with exposed wiring or sagging ceilings.
2. Photograph everything from the ground and inside: missing tiles, debris, water stains, damaged belongings. Note the date and time.
3. Limit further damage. Move belongings, catch drips and turn off electrics in affected areas if water is near them. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to stop damage getting worse.
4. Call your insurer or broker as soon as you can to report the claim.
5. Arrange an emergency make-safe. Insurers generally accept reasonable temporary repairs to keep water out. Keep the invoice and photos.
6. Get a written roofing report with photos explaining the cause of the damage and what the repair involves.

Why a drone survey and photo report helps your claim

Insurers decide claims on evidence. A roofer's photo report shows:

• close-ups of the damaged area, so the insurer can see the damage is fresh;
• the condition of the rest of the roof, which helps answer the "wear and tear" question;
• the cause, such as wind-lifted tiles or a ridge torn off, rather than old mortar giving way;
• a clear, itemised repair price.

We offer a free drone roof survey with every roofing enquiry, and a detailed written report for your insurer. If a report has a charge, we always tell you first.

See our storm and wind damage roof repair and roof leak repair pages for what we do.

Repair costs while you wait for the insurer

Typical 2026 guide prices in Peterborough:

Your insurer may pay you directly or pay the roofer, and your policy excess will usually apply. For more prices, see our new roof cost guide for 2026–2027.

How to avoid storm damage next winter

• Book a roof check in autumn, before the storm season. Slipped tiles and loose ridges are cheap to fix now and expensive after a storm.
• Upgrade to dry-fix ridges and verges. BS 5534 requires ridges and verges to be mechanically fixed, so they are far less likely to blow off than mortar-only ridges.
• Clear gutters and valleys so heavy rain doesn't back up under the tiles.
• Keep records of roof checks and repairs. They show your insurer you have maintained the roof.

Frequently asked questions

Does home insurance cover a roof leak?

Usually only if the leak was caused by a sudden event, such as a storm or something hitting the roof. Gradual leaks caused by worn materials are normally excluded. Check your policy wording.

What wind speed counts as a storm for insurance?

It depends on your policy. Some insurers use winds of at least 55 mph as the benchmark, often alongside heavy rain or snow. Check the definition in your policy documents.

Can I get my roof repaired before the insurer visits?

You can usually arrange a reasonable emergency make-safe to stop further damage. Take photos before and after, keep the invoice, and tell your insurer. Check with them before starting a full permanent repair.

What if my storm claim is rejected?

Ask the insurer for its reasons in writing and use its complaints process. If you are still unhappy after eight weeks, or after a final response, you can usually take the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free.

Do you deal with my insurance company?

We provide the photos, the written report and the itemised price your insurer needs. Your contract for the claim stays with your insurer, but we're happy to answer their questions about the work.

Storm damage? Get a free drone roof survey

Upsize Roofing is the roofing division of Upsize Property Renovation Ltd, a Peterborough contractor trusted on public sector frameworks. We call back within 15 minutes during opening hours, carry out a free drone survey, and give you a fixed written price and photo evidence for your insurer.

Get my free roofing quote or call 0800 193 9030.