Storm Damage Claims

What constitutes a storm, and what is storm damage?

Storm damage is not always listed in home insurance policies, and building insurance policies are often vague when defining what constitutes a storm. So, it is recommended that you ask your insurance provider for an appendix that lists all types of storm damage covered, mainly if you live in a high-risk area.

Storms are generally categorised as high winds, which may or may not be accompanied by heavy rain, hail, and snow.

Storm damage claims can include flooding, damage to services within the home, structural damage caused by debris and fallen trees, and fire caused by electrical faults due to downed power lines. However, policy wording differs, so you must get the proper claims advice to prevent home or business interruption.

Storm damage claims would also arise if rainwater overflows from a roof valley or a blocked parapet wall outlet. This would all be covered under the storm damage or escape of water peril.

Storm damage claims can often lead to other damage within the property, such as water damage to ceilings and walls, damaged floor coverings and decorative works, etc. These can all be very expensive to repair for both homeowners and business owners as they can disrupt the normal operations of the dwelling.

Does insurance cover storm damage?

Yes. Storm damage claims are usually caused by bad weather conditions, such as gale-force winds, resulting in rainwater or flooding waters entering the property. However, storm damage can occur due to general wear and tear.

For instance, slates or tiles may have come loose due to age or poor maintenance. This may not be regarded as storm damage, so that that cover could be excluded in this scenario.

Does storm damage cover my home?

In recent times, Ireland has experienced some terrible weather events, such as storms Brian, Eleanor and Hector, and Hurricane Ophelia. This has left thousands of homes and businesses nationwide with severe structural damage and a considerable amount of repair work to be carried out.

In the aftermath of a storm, many Irish homeowners automatically assume that their home is fully covered against storm damage under their home insurance, building insurance, or contents insurance policies. However, this is not always the case.

As mentioned above, potential problems can arise if your insurers can prove that your property has not been adequately maintained to protect against storm damage, thus refusing to pay for your storm damage claims.

Expert advice and assistance when dealing with storm damage claims

When you suffer a storm damage claim, the first port of call is to get your roof examined by a competent roofer to establish the extent of the repairs. The insurance company will require a roofer report to deal with your claim officially.

Photographs of the initial damage are essential here. Any necessary emergency repairs that may need to be carried out before the insurance company can inspect could potentially prejudice your position.

As Loss Assessors, we can offer you expert advice and will be able to handle and negotiate your storm damage claim proficiently and professionally. Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced Loss Assessors and claims handlers.

Making a Home Insurance Claim for Storm Damage

When making a home insurance claim, many people may be turned off from submitting an insurance claim because it can be very time-consuming and, at times, stressful. Still, putting your trust in us here at N.J. Carroll & Associates, we will handle all negotiations with your insurance company or their appointed representatives and act in your best interest.

Our main priority is to get the maximum settlement entitlement under your policy’s terms without undue delay so you can return your home to the condition it was before the insured loss occurred.

How we can help you with your storm damage insurance claim

We ensure you do not have to spend hours dealing with your storm damage claims. You have enough to deal with at this stressful time.

We will be on hand throughout the claims process, taking the stress and worry off your hands while keeping you updated. You will not have to go through your insurance company’s call centre or deal with their complex claim forms.

With our expert team on your side, we will take the worry out of managing and negotiating your insurance claim. You will no longer have the hassle and stress of dealing with your insurance company.

We ensure that you get to carry on your life as usual under the circumstances, and we dedicate our time and expertise to getting you fully back on track with limited interference.

Professional advice in dealing with storm damage claims

Storm damage is usually caused by gale-force winds, resulting in rainwater or flooding waters entering the property. Unfortunately, storm damage can occur due to general wear and tear.

For instance, slates or tiles may have come loose due to age or poor maintenance. This would not be regarded as storm damage; hence, cover would be excluded in this scenario.

Storm damage claims would also arise if rainwater overflows from a roof valley or even a blocked outlet in a parapet wall.

This would all be covered under the storm damage or escape of water peril. Storm damage claims can often lead to other damage within the property, such as water damage to ceilings and walls, damaged floor coverings and decorative works. These can all be very expensive to repair.

Assisting you with the arduous process of making a storm damage claim

When you suffer a storm damage claim, the first port of call is to get your roof examined by a competent roofer to establish the extent of the repairs. The insurance company will require a roofer’s report to deal with your claim officially.

Photographs of the initial damage are essential here. Any necessary emergency repairs that may need to be carried out before the insurance company can inspect could potentially prejudice your position.

We can offer you expert advice and will be able to handle and negotiate your storm damage claim proficiently and professionally.

Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced Loss Assessors and claims handlers.

N.J. Carroll & Associates provides a thorough and efficient claims service and will always act in your best interest. We are one of Ireland’s most experienced loss-assessing firms, having been in business for over 30 years.

The Central Bank of Ireland regulates N.J. Carroll & Associates Ltd. Our Financial Regulator Certificate number is C41330. Niall Carroll is a member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. We are also a member of the Irish Claims Consultants Association.

Please do not hesitate to contact us today, and one of our experienced loss assessors and claims handlers will talk you through handling your water damage claim.

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