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Patrick Ginnelly & Co. Property Claims Assessors Patrick Ginnelly & Co. Property Claims Assessors

Storm Damage Claims

A large tree blown over beside a house, with its roots lifted out of the ground
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Strong wind and heavy rain can damage roofs, walls, windows, outbuildings and the contents of your home or business. If a storm has hit your property, a storm damage insurance claim can cover the repair. Storm Éowyn (January 2025) led to 33,768 insurance claims (home, business and motor) and cost insurers €301m, the final figures show (Irish Times, 15 August 2025, read 2 October 2026).

Common causes and signs

Sheets of corrugated metal and timber lie against the wall of a house
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Storm damage often shows up as:

  • slipped, cracked or missing roof slates and tiles
  • damaged fascia, soffit, gutters and chimney pots
  • broken windows and doors
  • a fallen tree, branch or wall
  • damage to sheds, garages and other outbuildings
  • fences and gates blown down
  • water coming in through the roof, walls or windows
  • electrical faults after a power surge

What a storm claim can cover?

Large waves break around a diving tower on a rough sea
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Depending on your policy, a storm claim can include:

  • repair of the roof and the structure
  • repair or replacement of damaged contents
  • removal of fallen trees and debris from the damaged building
  • outbuildings, fences and gates, if the policy includes them
  • damage from water that got in during the storm
  • for a business, lost income and extra costs

Policies define a storm in different ways. Some set a minimum wind speed, and some exclude certain items. Your policy wording says what applies to you.

What to do first?

  1. Keep away from damaged roofs, fallen wires and unstable walls.
  2. Take photos and video of all the damage, including any water coming in.
  3. Make temporary repairs to stop more damage. Do not climb on a damaged roof: ask a competent roofer or contractor to cover it. Keep the receipts.
  4. Keep damaged items until your insurer has seen them, or has agreed that you can dispose of them.
  5. Read your policy for notice conditions. Tell your insurer as soon as you can, and within any time limit in your policy.

Where storm claims get difficult

A slate roof on a stone house, with slates missing and timber battens showing
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  • Storm or wear and tear. An insurer may say that a roof failed because of age, not wind. See roof damage claims.
  • Exclusions. Some policies exclude fences, gates, or items in the open, or damage to older buildings.
  • Water that got in. The route the water took can decide which part of the policy applies.
  • Many claims at once. After a big storm, many people claim at the same time. Clear photos, receipts and notes help you keep your claim in order.
  • Underinsurance. If the sum insured is below the real rebuilding cost, the insurer may reduce what it pays.

How we help

As Loss Assessors, we act for you, not for your insurer. We report the claim, meet the loss adjuster at your property, agree the scope of works, put together the detailed costs of the repairs, and deal with your insurer until the claim is settled.

Not sure which claim fits? Contact us and tell us what happened.