Recent Storms’ Dudley, Franklin and Eunice have caused nationwide damage over the past few weeks, with wind speeds reaching up to 122mph and heavy rain leading to more than 150 flood warnings.  

As a result, the red weather warnings of unusually high winds and floods have brought insurance policies to the forefront of many drivers’ minds, questioning whether their vehicles would be covered for storm and severe weather damage if the worst happened.

And whilst we may not be able to control the unpredictable weather around us, we can take a moment to educate drivers about how storm damage, and how these types of vehicle claims could affect their insurance.

Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions, starting with:

Does my insurance policy cover my vehicle for storm damage?

Typically, if your vehicle is damaged by a tree or debris during adverse weather, it would be covered if you have a comprehensive insurance policy in place. A third-party policy, however, will not cover storm damage, so it’s always important to thoroughly check any policy documents when it comes to making a severe weather vehicle claim.

What are the most common types of storm damage insurance claims?

Engine damage is a common claim made for storm damage – it often happens when floodwater reaches a vehicle’s engine, typically affecting parked cars that get caught in rising water.

In fact, flood damage in itself is a common and serious cause of UK vehicle insurance claims made over winter, as according to uSwitch, insurers write off up to 70% of cars that have been submerged, either due to electrical faults or engine damage caused by water.

What’s more, even if a vehicle manages to recover from flood damage, it can still have a severe knock-on affect at damaging vehicle electrics and internal contents too.

How can I protect my vehicle from storm damage?

It’s easy to say the first thing that comes to mind – don’t drive your car – but there’s no escaping it when you need to make essential journeys.

It is however always important to take the correct precautions; this includes paying close attention to local and national warnings about road closures or obstructions before setting off.

If unsure, drivers can look to the Met Office for guidance, or refer to rules 226 to 237 of the Highway Code for driving in severe weather conditions and keeping your vehicle in top condition is always imperative to avoid any potential breakdowns. This could include checking your antifreeze levels before you head off, examining your windscreen wipers to make sure they’re securely fastened and checking tyres.

Will my insurance go up if I make a claim for storm damage?

According to Money Supermarket, if a driver makes an insurance claim because of storm damage, they may potentially have to pay the excess on their policy, and there is also a risk that a premium could also go up after making a claim.

Rising insurance premiums will also depend on the individual circumstances of the customer, which is based on a range of factors such as any previous claims.

However, storm damage is considered an act of nature. In other words, an insurer wouldn’t be able to claim the costs against another driver at fault, as they might in the event of a road traffic accident.

When it comes to making a vehicle insurance claim during adverse weather, it’s important to remember that if an insurer can prove contributory negligence, such as driving on a road that motorists have been warned against using or knowingly driving without sufficient tread, drivers could potentially face a lower pay-out.

This is because insurance policies will only be valid if a driver has not been taking unnecessary risks. That said, the first point of call for any driver whose vehicle suffers storm damage, should always be to contact their insurer immediately.

ECSG are specialists in technical claims handling, with a dedication to deliver bespoke claims solutions through collaboration and honesty.

We believe that everyone, regardless of fault, should have access to market leading services and be treated fairly and respectfully, which is exactly why insurers, MGA’s and brokers alike choose us to support them with service fulfilment and supply chain execution.

It’s important to us to work hand in hand with underwriters to ensure that only completely valid claims are paid. In fact, we’re experts in identifying issues with policy coverage and understanding policy mechanisms.

At ECSG, no stone is left unturned; we’re here for our clients, no what.

To find out more about our professional motor claims handling platform, reach out today.