Storm damage: why your deductible can be higher than expected

Short answer: why your deductible for storm damage can be higher

Your deductible for storm damage can be significantly higher than the standard excess you are used to for other claims. This is because many insurers apply a separate, higher threshold specifically for storms. For example, you might have a buildings insurance with a deductible of €150, but for storm claims a deductible of €250 or even €500 applies. This excess is applied per event, meaning you pay that amount for every separate storm. Moreover, it stacks on top of any voluntary excess you may have chosen to reduce your premium. In most policy conditions, the exact definition of 'storm' and the corresponding deductible are listed separately; read them carefully before filing a claim. Often a storm is defined as wind force 7 or higher on the Beaufort scale, but some insurers only pay out from wind force 8 or with an official KNMI weather warning. Additionally, whether the damage is to your buildings or your contents matters, as different excess amounts may apply to each.

What qualifies as a 'storm' in your insurance policy?

Whether your damage is recognized as storm damage depends on the definition in your policy. Most Dutch insurers follow the meteorological definition: a storm is a wind with an average speed of at least wind force 7 (13.9 m/s) for at least 10 minutes. Some policies use wind force 8 as the threshold or look at the maximum wind gust. In addition, the timing of the damage can be decisive: if an official KNMI orange or red weather warning was in force for your region, this often serves as sufficient proof of a storm. But beware: a violent gust that causes local damage while the average wind speed was lower may be rejected by your insurer. Duration also counts; a short-lived whirlwind may not fall under the term 'storm' unless your policy explicitly covers it. Always check your policy schedule and conditions, as the interpretation of 'storm' can lead to disputes over coverage.

Buildings or contents: who covers what in storm damage?

Storm damage can affect both your home and your belongings. In principle, buildings insurance covers damage to the structure and everything that is fixed to the ground or the house, while contents insurance covers your loose possessions inside and around the house. But when it comes to storms, these two policies often overlap. A fence blown over on your own plot, for example, falls under buildings insurance if it belongs to the property and the storm definition is met. Garden furniture, parasols and play equipment often fall under contents insurance, but with a maximum payout and sometimes only if they should have been brought inside during the storm. Solar panels that are permanently mounted on the roof are considered part of the building, whereas a standalone panel on the balcony might be covered under contents. For a clear overview, see the table below with an indication of typical cover.

*Note: exact cover varies per insurer and policy. Always check your own policy conditions. This table is a general indication.

• Fences and garden sheds are often covered up to a certain percentage or maximum amount, and sometimes only at rebuild value, not new-for-old.
• Loose garden items like flower pots and parasols are often only covered under contents insurance if you can show they could not reasonably have been brought inside.
• Solar panels added after the home was built usually need to be separately reported to your buildings insurer to avoid underinsurance.
• For shared fences with neighbours, it is wise to agree on insurance and ownership in advance so that you do not face surprises.
• Check your contents cover regularly, for instance via a home contents insurance comparison, so you know exactly what falls under it.

The deductible for storm damage: why it can be higher

Most non-life insurance policies have a standard deductible that you pay per claim. For buildings and contents insurance, this is often between €0 and €250, but for storm claims this amount can be significantly higher. Many insurers apply a specific storm deductible of, say, €250 to €500, either on top of or instead of the general excess. This means that with a storm claim you might pay double in out-of-pocket costs. The rationale is that storm is a catastrophe risk that would otherwise drive up premiums for everyone; a higher deductible keeps the premium lower. If you have also voluntarily increased your deductible to save on premium (read about increasing your deductible), those amounts stack. In a concrete example: your buildings policy has a general excess of €150, a specific storm excess of €350, and a voluntary increase of €150. For a storm claim you then pay a total of €650 yourself, while you might have expected the standard €150.

This higher deductible also has implications for small claims. Suppose you lost a few roof tiles and the repair costs are €450. With a storm deductible of €350, you only receive €100 from the insurer, but you still have a claim on your record. In such a case you might consider paying the damage yourself to protect your no-claims status – although no-claims history works differently for home insurance than for cars, a claim history can affect your premium or acceptance when you move. It is therefore wise to know in advance what amount you have to bear and whether claiming makes financial sense. Sometimes switching to a policy with a lower storm deductible can help; compare buildings insurance without commission.

What to do immediately after storm damage: a step-by-step plan

Common mistakes with storm claims and deductibles

• Forgetting to take photos: without proof you cannot easily demonstrate that the damage was caused by the storm and not by previous wear and tear.
• Cleaning up too quickly: if you completely clear the storm damage before the loss adjuster arrives, the insurer may refuse to assess the extent of the damage.
• Assuming all garden items are covered: many policies exclude damage to loose objects such as garden chairs and plant pots, unless there is a break-in.
• Not checking the storm definition: a claim can be rejected if your own estimate of 'storm' does not match the policy definition, such as wind force 7 versus a gust.
• Overlooking double cover: sometimes you are double insured, for example via a VvE (owners' association) and your own buildings policy. Learn how to stop paying double.
• Underestimating the deductible: do not count on the standard amount; the storm deductible can be separate and higher.

When it makes sense to have an independent review

Many people do not know exactly what their buildings and contents insurance cover for storms, simply because the conditions are complex and rarely read. Especially if your home has changed – think of an extension, solar panels, a new fence, or merging households – your existing cover may no longer match. An independent, commission-free advice firm can place your policies alongside your current risk profile and clearly explain where your deductibles, exclusions and possible underinsurance lie. This costs you nothing and is completely non-binding; you decide whether to adjust anything. It is not a resale to multiple parties, but one substantive thinking-along office that looks at premium, cover and overlap.

Want to know how it works? Read how the free non-life insurance check works. Whether you are unsure about your buildings premium, your contents cover for garden items, or your storm deductible: a fresh look can prevent surprises. Also, if you are considering merging your insurance after moving in together, you can use the check to see if you are unwittingly overpaying. Check if you can get the same coverage cheaper by switching to a net premium without commission. Just as with annual vs single-trip travel insurance, a regular review of your home policies can uncover unnecessary costs and double coverage.