Most home insurance policies will cover you against the cost of flood and storm damage. You should always have buildings insurance which covers you against the costs of repairing, or in the worst case, rebuilding your home, but you would be sensible to take out contents insurance as well if you wish to protect the possessions in your home.

Even if your home and contents are insured, flood or storm damage can be very unpleasant and while you may be able to purchase new goods, items of sentimental value will be irreplaceable. To reduce the chances of damage, make sure that your home is well maintained. To prevent leaks check your roof for missing tiles and make sure gutters are clear of dead leaves. Cut back overhanging or dead branches which could come down in high winds and cause damage.

Your computer should be backed up regularly in any case, but you may not be aware that lightning strikes can cause electricity surges that may damage your computer and other electrical appliances. Water from leaks or floods can also damage your hard drive and electrical equipment. While you can replace a computer, important files like family photographs would be lost. In a storm, unplug electrical equipment, not forgetting your telephones.

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Pay attention to weather warning and if you hear a storm or flood is likely, move any valuable belongings upstairs if possible, and protect your important documents including your insurance documents by putting them into a watertight container. Some items may be too big or too heavy to move, like your fridge, but do if possible raise these up off the floor, perhaps with bricks.

Be prepared for the potential after effects by looking out your first aid kit, a battery operated radio, bottles of water and non-perishable food, and keep your pets inside.

If you are unlucky enough to suffer serious flood or storm damage, your home insurance policy may cover the cost of alternative accommodation, but cheaper policies are unlikely to include this. Think carefully about your needs when you take out the policy, as very cheap insurance is unlikely to give you all the financial protection you may need.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible if your home or possessions are damaged by storm or flood, and do not throw away damaged items because the insurance company may be able to repair them and may not pay out to replace them. If it is very inconvenient or dangerous to keep damaged items, then take photographs as evidence before disposing of them.

Things to look for in a good home insurance policy include the cleaning, repair or replacement of damaged items, including the physical structure of your home. It is worth thinking about where you would like if your house was made uninhabitable and think about cover for the cost of alternative accommodation. Make sure you do not underestimate the value of your belongings or property, and remember to keep an inventory with receipts so that you can prove your losses if the worst should happen.

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