According to the Met Office, the wettest month in the UK is December with an average of 124.88 mm of rainfall. December is also the month with the lowest mean sea level pressure, which can be used as an indicator of ‘storminess'. The windiest month is January with an average wind speed of 11.8 knots.
Storms can cause severe damage to homes and the average cost of a household insurance claim for storm damage is £660.
A recent report for the Association of British Insurers (ABI) warned that increased global temperatures are likely to increase the cost of windstorm damage.
The report warned that Wales and the south-west region of the UK could be the most badly affected. In the south-west, average wind damage insured losses could rise by 24 per cent.
M&S Premier Home Buildings and Contents Insurance provides the following in the event of storm damage:
unlimited cover for structural damage;
unlimited cover for damage to household contents (Limits apply to money and liability. Items, sets or collections over £3,999 must be specified);
unlimited cover for storm and flood damage to fences and gates;
reasonable cover for alternative accommodation if property left uninhabitable.
Andrew Ferguson, M&S head of general insurance, said: ‘We saw a large increase in storm-related home insurance claims during January this year as bad weather conditions swept across the UK. Claims included structural damage resulting from fallen trees and damage to fences and gates caused by strong winds.
‘Householders can take simple steps to help reduce the risk of damage if a storm is forecast. These include securing garden furniture, checking that roof tiles and guttering are well maintained, and ensuring that windows and doors are locked.
‘M&S Home Insurance provides unlimited cover so customers are never underinsured. Our Premier policy is also one of the few policies on the market to cover storm damage to fences and gates.
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