Home insurance warning over stormy weather

People should give their property a storm MOT, according to one home insurance firm.

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting for esure home insurance, claims that it is a case of when not if people's home are damaged by bad weather.

He said: Home insurance can help anyone who is hit with storm damage but prevention is always better than cure.

People should look to replace any loose or damaged roof tiles and prop up any unstable masonry, Mr Pickard added.

Keeping drains and gutters clear is also a good idea, the home insurance representative stated.

Homeowners should also put together a storm kit which includes emergency numbers, spare batteries and a first aid kit, he concluded.

Recently, a study by Allianz Insurance revealed that around half of people do not have decent locks on their doors and windows, something which could invalidate their home insurance if they need to make a claim .