Despite the fact that the autumn storm season has yet to arrive, the tempestuous weather this summer has already seen a four-fold increase in storm damage claims compared to the same period last year.

Not only has beach weather been in short supply this year, but many parts of Estonia have also been impacted by heavy rainfall, golf ball-sized hailstones and strong winds, all of which led to official storm warnings.

“Storms started causing problems as early as June this year, and people in different parts of Estonia have faced damaging weather just about every week since then,” noted Seesam’s Asset Insurance Product Manager Dagmar Gilden. “Harju and Tartu counties have seen the most claims, Tartu standing out for the major damage that’s been inflicted there.”

Payouts for storm damage have quadrupled

Whereas last year Seesam had received just over 50,000 euros worth of home insurance claims by September, this year the total has already exceeded 200,000 euros, with a significant number of summer cases still being processed.

The average compensation for storm damage this year is 2000 euros, with the highest payout being 80,000 euros.

“The number-one cause of damage every year is trees that fall onto houses, outbuildings and gardens and break windows,” Gilden explained. “The biggest claim so far this year also involved that sort of damage – the storm in question was so wild that it brought a perfectly healthy tree down on top of a residential building. That said, the main culprits we normally see in our work are old, untended trees. A lot of accidents could be prevented by removing such trees, or tending to them in good time.”

The second most frequent cause of damage is loose objects thrown about by strong winds: most commonly trampolines, but also garden furniture, which in one case this year damaged a client’s top-of-the-range robot lawnmower. Other items which typically go flying in storms are barbecues, parasols and lights, but recently, gales uprooted an entire gazebo and deposited it on a clothes airer, damaging it in the process.

The weather is growing wilder and damage is getting worse

Gilden says the weather in Estonia is becoming more extreme with every passing year, including heat waves and extended periods of drought, followed by storms and torrential rain. “Based on what we’ve seen in the last few years, it’s safe to assume that every year from now on will be a record-breaker,” she remarked. “That’s why we recommend that people review their home insurance policy annually, to make sure it offers them sufficient protection.”

It pays to be proactive in protecting your home from storm damage even if you have insurance, Gilden adds. “When heading home from your summer cottage, or if you’re there and a storm is approaching, you really ought to secure your garden furniture or put it somewhere sheltered,” she advised. “You should check the health of the trees on your property each year too, and make sure the roof is in good condition. Since storms often roll in unexpectedly, it’s a good idea to unplug household electronics that don’t need a constant power supply as well when you leave the house for any extended period of time.”