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Storm Damage Insurance Claim Refused
When a storm claim is refused, the Financial Ombudsman asks three questions: was there a storm on or around the date, is the damage consistent with storm damage, and were storm conditions the main cause. If the insurer blames wear and tear, it has to prove the exclusion applies.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
How Storm Claims Are Judged
The Three Questions
Was there a storm on the date the damage happened? Is the damage consistent with what is generally seen as storm damage? Were storm conditions the main cause, or might the damage have happened anyway? Policies often exclude gradual damage and wear and tear, but the insurer has to prove the exclusion applies, for example with an inspection report. Official weather records, sometimes from more than one station, help decide. source
Complaining
Complain to the Insurer First
You should first complain formally to the insurer. A business has 8 weeks to consider most complaints. If you have no final response within 8 weeks, or you are unhappy with it, you can refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. source
6 Months to Go to the Ombudsman
You have 6 months from the date on the final response to refer your complaint to the Ombudsman. After that it usually cannot help, unless exceptional circumstances (such as serious ill health or bereavement) stopped you, the insurer did not send a valid final response, or the insurer agrees. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksInsurer's time to give a final response to a complaint8 weeks for most complaints
- 6 monthsRefer a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman ServiceWithin 6 months of the date on the insurer's final response
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Note the date of the damage and take photos.
Step 2 of 5
Find weather reports for that date and area.
Step 3 of 5
Ask the insurer for its inspection report if it blames wear and tear.
Step 4 of 5
Complain in writing. We do not take insurance or banking complaints as cases, but our free letter templates can help you write to the firm.
Step 5 of 5
After 8 weeks, or a final response, go to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Insurer's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing.
Financial Ombudsman Service
After 8 weeks with no final response, or if you are unhappy with it. Refer within 6 months of the final response.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Make temporary repairs to stop more damage, and keep the receipts.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/insurance/home-insurance/storm-damage Checked 13 October 2026
- financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/expect/time-limits Checked 12 October 2026