A storm passes and your gate ends up on the ground, with hinges torn off or a twisted structure. It is a major setback. Beyond the compromised security of your home, a financial question immediately arises: will your home insurance cover the repairs or replacement? The answer often depends on the nature of your contract and the intensity of the weather event.
Check your contract’s storm coverage
Most multi-risk home insurance policies include storm coverage. However, for compensation to be triggered, the event must generally be recognized as such. Insurers often require proof that the wind blew at over 100 km/h, or that it damaged other buildings in the vicinity.
If it is a simple gust of wind on a gate already weakened by time, coverage may be refused on the grounds of a lack of maintenance. It is therefore crucial to review your terms and conditions to check if exterior fences and gates are indeed covered, as they are sometimes subject to a specific “exterior landscaping” option.
Steps for filing a claim
You legally have 5 working days to report the claim to your insurer after the damage is noted. Reactivity is essential. Do not throw anything away before a potential visit from an adjuster! Take photos from all angles, keep the damaged parts and, if possible, find your original purchase invoice.
These factual elements are essential for quantifying the loss. A well-documented claim considerably speeds up the process. If the gate poses an immediate danger to the public highway, you can take precautionary measures (moving it, securing it), but do not start final repairs without your company’s agreement.
Beware of the applied depreciation rate!
If your gate is ten or fifteen years old, the insurance is not intended to pay for a brand-new one at full price. A depreciation rate will be applied to estimate the actual value of the property on the day of the loss.
In practical terms, the adjuster deducts a percentage corresponding to the natural wear and tear of the material. Unless you have taken out a “new-for-old” replacement option, expect the reimbursed amount to be lower than the current replacement cost, sometimes leaving a significant amount for you to pay.
Repair or replace entirely?
The adjuster will determine if the gate is economically repairable. If the damage is superficial, such as a bent slat or a broken lock, a local repair will be preferred. On the other hand, if the load-bearing structure is twisted or if the main posts are bent, total replacement is necessary to ensure the access closes correctly.
This is often an opportunity to rethink your installation. If your old PVC gate gave way too easily, switching to an aluminum gate, which is more rigid and durable, can be a wise investment for the future, even if it involves a slight additional cost compared to the compensation received.
Choosing a model adapted to windy areas
To prevent the scenario from repeating itself, the choice of the new model is strategic, especially if you live in an exposed region. An openwork or semi-openwork gate offers much less wind resistance than a solid model. Air circulates through the slats, considerably reducing the pressure exerted on the hinges and the motorization during gusts.
At Districlos, we particularly recommend aluminum for its mechanical resistance to bad weather. Unlike wood which can rot or iron which rusts, aluminum retains its structural properties for a long time, minimizing the risk of sudden failure in the event of a storm.
The importance of professional installation
The insurance company may refuse to pay if it considers that the gate was initially poorly installed (insufficient pillar sealing, hinges unsuited to the weight). Calling in a professional or scrupulously following the installation instructions guarantees the sturdiness of the structure. An installation carried out according to best practices remains your best insurance against future weather whims.
Expert in fencing, gates, and outdoor landscaping since 2019.
Holds a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing – SEO, UX/UI.
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