Storm damage can wreak havoc with your home. From fallen trees to busted roofs, repairs don't come cheap. Thankfully, home insurance can help.
Australian home insurance policies cover storm damage as standard. So if you've got a policy, you'll be covered for damage that happens as a result of wind, hail, rain or lightning.
Who covers storm damage?
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You'll find that many home and contents insurance policies will cover storm damage to some degree. If you want to know more about what kind of damage is covered, check out the table below to see how different insurers treat storm damage.
Insurance companies don't always specify everything that's covered under storm damage but, generally, you can expect the following to be included:
Earth movement that occurs as a result of a storm
Surface run-off rainwater from surrounding areas
The escape of rainwater from pipes, drains or gutters
Wind and debris damage
Fallen trees and branches
Lightning damage
What kind of storm damage isn't covered?
Not all storm damage is covered by home insurance. Specifics will vary between insurers but some common exclusions are:
A storm that happens very soon after you bought your policy (usually less than a week)
Water entering your home through an opening that was not created by the storm
Damage that occurred due to poor maintenance or defective workmanship
Gradual deterioration from rainwater
Damage to unsecure outbuildings
Damage to retaining or freestanding walls
Swimming pool covers and spa covers
Textile awnings or blinds, external shades
Remember, always read your PDS carefully to see exactly what may or may not be covered. If you're unsure about anything, call the insurer and ask.
What causes storm damage?
Severe weather events can easily cause storm damage, and Australia is certainly no stranger to severe weather. Typically, it includes:
Hail. Large hailstones can cause damage to windows and glass, as well as roofs.
Lightning. Severe lightning can affect your home's electricity network, damage electronics due to power surges, and even bring down power lines.
Rain. Overflow from storm drains can cause serious water damage.
Runoff. Overflow from swimming pools, spas and tanks resulting from excess rainwater.
Storm. A severe atmospheric disturbance accompanied by strong winds, rain, lightning, hail, snow or dust.
Storm surge. Seawater rushing onshore due to strong winds or sea movements. Storm surges aren't always covered by home insurers so check your PDS carefully.
Wind. Gales or high winds can damage roofs, uproot trees and tear down power lines.
A violent atmospheric disturbance, generally producing strong winds. It can be accompanied by rain, lightning, hail or snow and it includes cyclones and tornadoes.
How do I protect my home from storm damage?
Even if you have the most comprehensive home insurance policy, it's still better to avoid storm damage altogether. While you can't always come off totally unscathered, there are some easy steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Clear your gutters. If your gutters are blocked, overflowing water could enter your home and cause serious damage. Some insurers won't pay out if blocked gutters are to blame for water damage.
Check your roof. Repair any loose or damaged tiles as they can weaken your roof and allow water to enter. Many insurers won't pay your claim if water damage is the result of a poorly maintained roof.
Trim trees. Falling branches can easily destroy property in high winds or heavy rain. Keep trees in check, and trim any dead or loose branches.
Secure loose items. Bring outdoor furniture, garden ornaments and any decorations inside. These can cause further damage to your property if caught up in high winds.
How to make a claim for storm damage + handy tips
Assess the damage. Once it's safe, inspect your property and take photos of any damage. Never put yourself at unnecessary risk while doing so, such as climbing roofs or going near downed power lines.
Prevent further loss. Take reasonable steps to stop further damage and take photos of anything you did to help. Don't make any longer-term repairs until you've spoken to your insurer. If emergency repairs are required, contact your insurer immediately.
Gather evidence. Take photos of any damage and mitigation measures. Make notes about when the storm hit. Keep a list of everything that was damaged, including information on make, model and date of purchase. If you do have to buy any essential items, keep the receipts.
Lodge a claim. Contact your insurer directly to lodge a claim. The fastest way to lodge a claim is online, but you may also be able to do it over the phone, or by mail. You will be asked to include all of your supporting documentation.
Tell your insurer if it's urgent. Insurers are obligated to fast-track your claim if you're in urgent financial need. If you can prove that you need money immediately, perhaps for emergency accommodation, your claim will be pushed up the queue.
Claim assessment. The insurer may send out an expert to inspect the damage and assess your claim. In some cases, the assessor may arrange for a hydrologist to determine the cause of the storm or flood damage.
Claim payment. If your claim is accepted, your insurer will pay out a benefit to cover your loss or damage. If it's not accepted, you may be allowed to submit further evidence, or appeal.
Know how to complain. If you're unhappy with how your claim is being handled, contact your insurer's internal complaints resolution department. If that doesn't help, the next step is to contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
What is storm surge insurance?
A storm surge, sometimes called a tidal surge, is a coastal flood which happens during a storm. The sea level rises far beyond its typical level and heavy winds push water ashore.
Storm surge insurance will pay out for any damage caused, but be aware, cover isn't always included in home insurance policies. The table below shows how some insurers cover storm surges.
Insurer
Cover for storm surge
What the PDS says
Budget Direct
No
You are not covered for loss or damage caused by a high tide, king tide, tidal wave, storm surge or any other action of the sea.
Coles Insurance
No
Not covered for loss or damage caused by high tide, tidal wave, storm surge, tsunami or other actions of the sea.
Youi
No
No cover for loss, damage or legal liability caused by storm surge, actions of the sea or tides or other oceanic activity.
NRMA
Yes
Covered:
storm surge
landslide or subsidence that happens immediately as a direct result of a storm surge.
For example, an intense storm or cyclone causes an increase in normal sea level and large waves, and the water enters your home.
Westpac
No
Under General Exclusions; Including:
storm surge
a rise in the level of the ocean or sea caused by a high tide, a king tide or any other movement of the sea.
St George
No
Including:
storm surge
a rise in the level of the ocean or sea caused by a high tide, a king tide or any other movement of the sea.
Virgin Money
No
You are not covered for loss or damage caused by high tide, king tide, tidal wave, storm surge or any other actions of the sea.
Real Insurance
No
You are not covered for any loss or damage caused by actions of the sea, including high tides.
If you live particularly close to the coast, or in an area which is at high risk of storm surges, it may be worth considering home insurance which includes cover for storm surges.
Frequently asked questions
Floods and storms often come hand in hand, but insurance companies consider them 2 separate things and offer coverage in very different ways.
According to insurance companies, a flood happens when water escapes from a watercourse such as a river, creek, dam or lake. Some insurers will provide flood insurance as standard, but usually you have to buy it as an add-on to your normal home insurance policy.
However, if water from a storm damages your house, for example, drains can't cope with the heavy rainwater so they overflow into your street, you'd be covered under your standard home insurance policy.
Sometimes, it's tricky to tell whether a flood caused damage, or whether storm water caused damage. In those cases, your insurance company will send an expert, called a hydrologist, to figure out exactly where the water came from and whether you're covered.
The time limit for lodging a storm damage claim varies between insurers. Some don't implement any time limit at all, while others ask that you lodge your claim within a year.
Regardless of the time limit, it's still a good idea to lodge the claim as soon as possible. That way, it's often easier to collect evidence and prove the storm caused the damage.
Insurance companies have to respond within 10 business days, letting you know whether your claim has been accepted, denied or delayed because more information is required.
In more complex cases, where a loss adjuster becomes involved, it will take longer than 10 days, but your insurer should provide regular updates.
Remember, if your house is damaged in a natural disaster, it's likely that the insurer is dealing with thousands of other claims. In cases like this, a decision could take up to 12 months.
If you have building insurance (or a home and contents insurance policy), and you have the right sum insured amount, the physical structure of your shed and garage should be covered.
If you want your tools, sporting and gardening equipment covered, you might want to consider some kind of contents insurance as well.
Nicola Middlemiss is a contributing writer at Finder, with a special interest in personal finance and insurance. Formerly a business and finance journalist, Nicola has written thousands of articles helping Australians better understand insurance and grow their personal wealth. She has contributed to a wide range of publications, including Domain, the Educator, Financy, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Insurance Business, MoneyMag, Mortgage Professional, Yahoo Finance, Your Investment Property, and Wealth Professional. Nicola has a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Leeds.
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Most building insurance policies will cover you for loss or damage due to a storm. It’s a standard inclusion, so it’s worth shopping around to see who has the best deal for you.
We are with Budget Direct – Home and Contents insurance. We had a roof leak and damaged TV and were compensated. At the front of the block we have a large tree that was struck by lightning. The fire was extinguished by the SESD/. A branch has already fallen and an arborist said the tree has white ants and is dying. It needs to be removed.Is this claimable on home insurance as it is a result of storm damage?
Thank you for your enquiry. According to the Budget Direct PDS, no payment will be made for “loss or damage caused by power surge or fluctuation that is not a result of a lightning strike.” You should be covered for damage that has occurred from lightning but it is not clear if you are able to claim for expenses incurred if no damage has yet occurred. It would be best to get in touch with Budget Direct to discuss further.
After the weather event of 2013 in Qld we had a motorbike ,quad bike and tools in our shed what is covered under the insurance can we claim the motor bike and the quad bike as Suncorp is going to pay for tools and the shed as I understand
Thanks for your question. It will depend on your policy and its conditions. Your best bet would be to contact your insurer directly as they will be able to tell you the specifics of your cover.
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Is there an insurance company that will do Storm and Tempest cover only on a house.
Hi Adrian,
Most building insurance policies will cover you for loss or damage due to a storm. It’s a standard inclusion, so it’s worth shopping around to see who has the best deal for you.
Thanks,
Gary
We are with Budget Direct – Home and Contents insurance. We had a roof leak and damaged TV and were compensated. At the front of the block we have a large tree that was struck by lightning. The fire was extinguished by the SESD/. A branch has already fallen and an arborist said the tree has white ants and is dying. It needs to be removed.Is this claimable on home insurance as it is a result of storm damage?
Hi James,
Thank you for your enquiry. According to the Budget Direct PDS, no payment will be made for “loss or damage caused by power surge or fluctuation that is not a result of a lightning strike.” You should be covered for damage that has occurred from lightning but it is not clear if you are able to claim for expenses incurred if no damage has yet occurred. It would be best to get in touch with Budget Direct to discuss further.
Thank you for your enquiry and all the best,
Will
After the weather event of 2013 in Qld we had a motorbike ,quad bike and tools in our shed what is covered under the insurance can we claim the motor bike and the quad bike as Suncorp is going to pay for tools and the shed as I understand
Hi Devo,
Thanks for your question. It will depend on your policy and its conditions. Your best bet would be to contact your insurer directly as they will be able to tell you the specifics of your cover.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard