Stormy weather

We are experiencing extremely high winds up and down the country at the moment and we are working hard to get our customers' properties repaired as quickly as possible during these difficult times.

We would like to reassure all our customers that storm damage, like floods and freeze are covered as standard by your home insurance policy so any damage caused to your property as a direct result of storm force wind and rain is covered and if you are forced to move out of your home the cost of alternative accommodation is also paid for.

What to do after the storm

If your property suffers damage, please ring us immediately on 0844 891 1222. We have dedicated teams of experts who will be able to give you advice on how to prevent further damage and to assist you in sorting out your claim. For claims which are not of an emergency nature you can use our online claim form or email us by clicking on this link aviva.co.uk/home/existing-customers/

The most common types of storm claims

• Roof tiles blown off, often in conjunction with damage to gutters, fascias etc.
• TV/radio aerials damaged.
• Breakage of glass – most often greenhouse glass.
• Lifting of roofing felt, particularly on sheds.
• Damage to chimneys.
• Trees falling down and damaging buildings.
• Boundary walls blown down.

But do bear in mind an insurance policy is not a maintenance policy – most companies expect your home to be in reasonable condition, wear and tear isn't covered. Fences, gates and hedges that have blown down as a direct result of high winds are also generally excluded.

Some of our customers will be without power due to power lines being brought down in the storms, and again to save unnecessary enquiries we would like to clarify that Aviva policies (and most other insurers) do not provide cover for alternative accommodation due to loss of power on its own, unless there is damage to the buildings (as a result of an insured peril) which renders the property uninhabitable. If you have lost freezer food as a result of the power cut then most Aviva contents polices provide cover for replacement food up to a limit. It may be worth checking with your electricity provider as they may provide compensation for loss of power after a certain period of time without power.