WHILE homeowners across the UK are bracing themselves for further storms, insurers are urging people to make sure they are well covered - and take action to protect their homes.

With the average house in England and Wales now costing more than é200,000, Legal & General says it makes sense for homeowners to check the upkeep of their homes ahead of the expected assault from the elements.

Statistics from the Met Office show that historically December is one of the wettest months of the year, and fierce storms are predicted to hit many parts of the UK over the next few weeks

But according to Cheshire-based website moneysupermarket.com, neither buildings nor contents insurance will usually cover you for garden items such as fences and gates. It is urging people to boost their insurance to protect such items.

Richard Mason, director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: "The perimeters of your property are out of bounds for most insurers' standard policies, so we urge homeowners to take reasonable steps to secure any loose fence panels or other items outside their homes. It's not just damage to your own property you will be helping to reduce, but also damage to neighbouring homes caused by unsecured objects."

Cover

All the big brands offer cover in the garden for furniture or shrubbery as part of their home contents policy, although levels of cover vary dramatically.

Richard adds: "Insurers vary on whether they cover sheds and outside buildings under buildings or contents, so homeowners should check both policies to ensure they insured to the right level by one or the other."

Legal & General points out that it is important to understand that household insurance will cover damage caused by certain bad weather conditions, which are outlined in the policy wording such as storms or floods - but the property must be kept in a good state of repair by its owner.

It recommends that homeowners should take the following measures:

Check drains and gutters are clear of any leaves or debris that could block them.

Repair loose roof tiles and slates to reduce the risk of them falling off.

Secure loose items such as garden furniture, tools, toys and pots. Ensure planters are stowed away if possible or firmly fixed so they can't be blown around and cause damage.

Check windows and window frames, including those in a shed, garage or greenhouse to ensure they are firmly fixed and with no possible gaps for rain to penetrate.

Check whether trees, particularly those close to the house, need pruning and are stable.

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