Damage to gardens from Storm Éowyn will be extensive as up to 114mph winds have wreaked havoc on the country. And in gardens one of the first things to suffer in high winds is fences and gates.
While your property and any damage to it is most likely covered by your home insurance, gardens can be a grey area. Sometimes your policy will cover your garden but the type of damage you can claim on is not crystal clear.
It’s essential that you check the fine print on your policy before trying to make a claim for damaged fences and gates.
Experts from Compare the Market say that in most circumstances fences and gates are not covered for storm damage. The comparison website said: “If fences are covered for storm damage, then there are likely to be conditions on the cover.
“For example, damage resulting from wear and tear is typically excluded from buildings insurance cover. That means you may have to prove your fence was in good condition before the storm to make a successful claim for damage.”
It suggests checking policy as it can depend on the strength of the wind that has caused the damage. They said: “Many buildings insurance policies don’t cover damage to fences and gates caused by high winds. But check your policy to be sure.
“If wind damage to your fences is covered, there are likely to be conditions around the strength of the wind that caused the damage.
“For example, your insurance provider may only cover damage caused by high winds recorded over a certain point on the Beaufort Scale.”
If your fence has been damaged by a tree falling on it you could well be covered. However, if the tree has fallen due to a storm and high winds, there is generally a caveat.
They said: “If a tree falls on your fence and damages it, you’ll typically be covered by your home insurance. But if the tree fell because of a storm, the damage will likely be excluded and you won’t be able to claim.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.