Not upheld: claim decline - storm damage complaint against UK Insurance Limited (trading as Churchill)

Decision detail

Summary

Mr W claimed on his Residential Landlord Insurance policy for storm damage to his property, including moss on the roof, rotten rafters, and mould, which he said occurred in February 2025 but was noticed between November and December 2024. UKI declined the claim based on photographic evidence not showing storm-caused damage. The ombudsman upheld the decline, finding that while some storm conditions may have existed, the claimed damage was consistent with gradual deterioration rather than immediate storm impact, and the passage of time interrupted the proximate cause link between weather and damage. The ombudsman also found UKI's request for additional information and compensation for poor customer service were appropriate.

The Ombudsman's reasoning

The ombudsman applied the three-question test for storm damage claims: (1) were there storm conditions at the relevant time; (2) is the damage consistent with storm-type damage; and (3) was the storm the main or dominant cause. While storm conditions may have existed, the damage claimed (moss, mould, rotten rafters) represents gradually occurring deterioration rather than immediate storm damage. The passage of time and absence of prompt remedial action interrupts the proximate cause link between weather conditions and the damage. Therefore, the claim was fairly declined.

How this compares

Source

Read the original decision on the Financial Ombudsman Service website