money.co.uk comment: storm Ciara damage claims

Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, said: "If your home has been hit by storm damage from Ciara then try to speak to your insurer straight away, as they may need you to take emergency steps to minimise the devastation, until they can process your claim and sort proper repairs. "It is important that you take photos of the damage and note the time it took place so the insurer can tally this up with weather reports. When you make your claim, try and submit 'before' photos if you have them proving the state of your property before Ciara hit! "It is the buildings insurance part of your policy that will pay out so, if you're a homeowner who has got contents-only cover, you could be left footing the bill. If you're a tenant, speak to your landlord, who will need to make a claim on their insurance or cover the cost. "Chances are you won't get much back if your garden or shed has been obliterated. Most home insurance policies offer little in the way of cover for property outside your home although it's always worth checking. Of course, if a tree from your neighbour's garden has fallen into yours, you may be able to make a liability claim via their insurance.

Check out our guide on how to claim on your home insurance policy

"Ciara has caused disruption to transport networks. So, if bad weather means your train is cancelled make sure you get a full refund. If it's delayed by more than 15 minutes you could claim compensation too so, make sure you submit a claim.

"Thanks to the Delay Repay scheme most train companies will compensate you even if bad weather is to blame."

Check out our guide on how to get a refund on train tickets.