A quick guide to what’s likely to be covered by your clients insurance, what they need to look for when contacting local tradespeople and how to speed up their insurance claim.
Making an insurance claim
A major weather event can cause widespread damage to businesses across the UK, leaving lots of our clients needing help at the same time.
To help clients get back to normal as quickly as possible, we may ask them to get a quote from a local trades person to repair the damage.
If they can’t get a repair quote, or if their property is not safe and secure, you must advise us.
What storm damage can be claimed?
Inform us exactly what has happened to your clients property so that we can help you make the claim.
Typical damage to property following a storm can include:
- Tiles or slates dislodged or missing
- Entire felt roofs lifted off
- Ridge or hip tiles missing or dislodged
- Damage caused by fallen trees
- Water damage inside the premises
You can also check the policy wording as there may be some things that are not covered, for example damage to fences, hedges and gates.
The policy may also not cover damage which is longstanding or due to maintenance issues, such as:
- Cement or mortar deterioration on brickwork and chimneys
- Failed render on the building exterior
- Gradual deterioration to any part of the roof or building
- Aged flat roofs
Getting a repair quote
Using a local trades person is often the quickest way to get a property back to normal, so generally it is good practice to ask clients to get a quote directly.
You may wish to advise clients that when looking for help:
- Avoid cold callers
- Look for recommended or established traders
- Don’t pay anything upfront
- Check if the builder offers warranties on the work
- Obtain at least two quotes for comparison, if possible
- Be alert to scams. Independent flood or loss assessors may get in touch and offer to manage the claim on their behalf, but many charge a fee, which could be taken from the insurance settlement
- Try to look for contractors who have roofing trade accreditations, such as Marley, Redland or National Federation of Roofers (NFRC) and who have an office number, not just a mobile
Any quote obtained will need to include a full breakdown of the works required and be supported by photos of the damage, if possible.
Once happy with the quote, it will need to be sent to us.
Include the clients name, policy number and address and we will be in touch to progress the claim.
As well as any damage to buildings, list any belongings that have been damaged by the storm inside or outside the property, along with supporting photos. Advise clients to not throw anything away as it may be needed for the claims process.
When considering the repair quotes received, here are some of the approximate costs of repairing common types of storm damage. Quotes may be higher or lower depending on location. This may be helpful for clients to gauge the costs of repairs.
| Type of damage | Approximate cost |
| 10 dislodged tiles or slates | £300 |
| 10m2 flat roof | £1,000 |
| 5 ridge or hip tiles | £300 |
| Scaffolding for a 2-storey building | £400 |
| Mobile tower access for a 2-storey building | £150 |
| Gutters, fascias and soffits | £40 per sq. m |
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