The UK has experienced record winds and damage caused by the recent storms, Strom Eunice and Storm Franklin.
Below are five practical steps to help you take reasonable precautions against these extreme weather conditions.
1. Secure your property
A few basic checks around your property will minimise the risk of damage. These could be as simple as locking gates, fixing lose fence panels, tying down garden furniture, securing trampolines and temporarily storing toys and ornaments indoors.
2. Check your property condition
Insurance policies are unlikely to cover damage which is longstanding or due to maintenance issues. It may also be relevant in any future dispute if you failed to act where you knew or ought to have known about the risk of property damage. The same can be said for trees and large plants causing damage. If they were not well maintained before, you may have difficulties with either your insurer or neighbour or both.
3. Document the position
Having a record of any maintenance you have done to your property will be useful evidence of your properties condition before the storm. Taking photographs and videos of the current position can also be a great evidential tool. Similarly if you have concerns about any neighbouring adjoining fences take photographs and raise the concern with your neighbour.
4. Check your insurance terms
Checking your policy wording will help you know what is and is not covered as part of any storm damage. You should also be aware of when and how to make a claim for storm damage so that you can comply with any policy terms. Your insurance may also cover you for a legal dispute should the worse happen.
5. Know your boundaries
Checking your deeds and any other documents provided when you brought your property will help you identify who owns and is responsible for each of your property boundaries. This will be a useful starting point should you need to discuss storm damage with your neighbours, such as for repairing fence panels.
Great advice especially to understand your insurance policy and maintain your property in 'good repair'. Fence panels and other garden furniture are often not covered. One of the biggest reason for rejected claims and subsequent complaint is damage actually caused by poor maintenance.