Storm Damage Recovery Guide

Safety first — do not enter the property if you suspect structural damage, fallen power lines, or gas leaks. Once safe: (1) Document all damage with timestamped photos and video before any temporary repairs. (2) Perform temporary make-safe only — cover roof holes with tarps, board up broken windows. (3) Contact your insurer to lodge a claim within 24 hours. (4) Contact a professional restoration company for emergency board-up and water extraction. (5) Keep all receipts for emergency expenses. Do not make permanent repairs until your insurer has assessed the damage or authorised repairs.

Most Australian home insurance policies cover storm damage including wind, hail, rain, and lightning. This typically includes roof damage, water ingress from storm damage, fallen trees (on your property), broken windows, and fence damage. However, flood damage from rising water levels usually requires separate flood cover — check your Product Disclosure Statement. Stormwater damage (water entering through storm-damaged openings) is generally covered, but pre-existing maintenance issues like worn roof tiles may reduce your claim. We bill you directly for restoration work, and you claim reimbursement from your insurer.

Emergency make-safe (tarping, board-up, water extraction) is completed within 24–48 hours. Minor storm repairs (broken windows, gutter replacement, small roof patches) take 1–2 weeks. Moderate damage (partial roof replacement, ceiling repairs, structural drying) takes 3–6 weeks. Major storm damage (full roof replacement, structural repairs, extensive water damage remediation) can take 6–12 weeks. After major weather events, repair timelines can extend due to high demand for materials and tradespeople.

Fence damage from storms is covered under most Australian home insurance policies, but coverage varies. Some policies cover the full replacement cost while others only cover a set amount (often $5,000–$15,000) or a percentage of your sum insured. Shared boundary fences can be complex — your insurer typically covers your half. Retaining walls may be excluded or covered under a separate section. Check your PDS for specific fence and wall coverage limits before lodging a claim.

The most common storm damage types in Australia are: (1) Roof damage — lifted or broken tiles, damaged ridge capping, punctured metal roofing from hail. (2) Water ingress — rain entering through storm-damaged roofs, windows, or doors causing ceiling damage and mould risk. (3) Fallen trees and branches — on roofs, fences, cars, and power lines. (4) Hail damage — to roofs, skylights, solar panels, cars, and outdoor equipment. (5) Wind damage — to fences, carports, pergolas, and outdoor structures. (6) Flash flooding — from overwhelmed stormwater drains and gutters.

If you can safely access your roof and the storm has passed, temporary tarping prevents further water damage and demonstrates reasonable mitigation to your insurer. Use a heavy-duty tarp (minimum 200gsm) extending at least 1 metre past the damaged area on all sides, secured with timber battens or sandbags — never nails through the tarp into tiles. However, do not attempt roof work in ongoing severe weather, high winds, wet conditions, or if you are not confident at heights. Professional emergency tarping is available 24/7 and is a claimable expense under most policies.