Homeowners have been urged to check their home insurance policies in order to ensure they are covered against the effects of high winds. After the heavy winds of early January and their impact on homes and buildings, many people may have found themselves out of pocket after realising their insurance policy may not have covered storm damage.
The Independent spoke to an insurance expert, who said: "Although most insurers review claims on a case-by-case basis, sometimes home insurance won't cover for loose items such as tiles or fencing when necessary arrangements to maintain these properly were not made before the storm."
According to the newspaper's report, the Financial Ombudsman Service has established that claims are often classified depending on the wind speed registered on the day of the damage.
With further high winds and the ever-British prospect of torrential rain, it's also recommended that you regularly survey your home to establish if anything needs securing or fixing - regular home maintenance is the responsibility of the home owner. Loose objects such as tiles or poorly fixed guttering can often lead to damage and the policyholder wanting to claim.