Storm Damage And Insurance Claims In Derby
Every year especially in recent years winds can get up to over 100 mph combined with torrential rain usually in autumn and winter, sometimes even in summer.
In the cold winter of 2013, The Derby Telegraph reported winds were recorded at 108 mph.
Depending on which direction gusts of wind come from your roof can be damaged but surrounding roofs left unscathed. This damage can also occur to PVC’s fascias and guttering. This type of damage is not covered by Company Guarantees and that’s when you need to look out your Building Insurance Polices and inform your insurance company you have had storm damage to your property.
No roof is built to withstand such conditions, gusty winds can cause damage to old and brand new roofs. After all if a heavy goods lorry can be blown on it’s side in these conditions what chance does a roof have?
Here's some pointers if you have storm damage
- Document the date of the storm
- If your storm damage means your roof will leak every time it rains and temporary repair is impossible, most insurance companies will let you go ahead with repairs immediately if the estimated cost is between £500 to £1000 and will be approved over the phone.
- You are entitled to use your own roofing company if any insurance company informs you they will send out their own contractor (fact) as long as it is reasonably priced.
- If your insurance company ask you to explain the damage to your roof then inform them that your knowledge of roofing is minimal and insist they call your roofing company and speak to someone qualified.
- If you have your roof maintained, then your roofer can provide an independent report and can discuss this with the insurance company assessors.