Heatwaves, home insurance and protecting your property during extreme hot weather

When the UK experiences a heatwave, most of the attention understandably turns to health, hydration and staying cool. That should always come first. Hot weather can affect everyone, particularly older people, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions¹.

However, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can also create risks around the home. For homeowners, landlords and tenants, it is a useful reminder to check that your property is protected, well maintained and properly insured.

Heat can affect your home as well as your health

A short spell of sunshine is unlikely to cause major property issues on its own, but prolonged hot and dry conditions can increase the risk of certain problems.

One of the main property risks linked to extended dry weather is subsidence. This happens when the ground beneath a building sinks, which can pull the property’s foundations down with it. It is more likely to become an issue where soil loses moisture and contracts, especially in areas with clay-rich soil or where trees and shrubs are drawing water from the ground².

Not every crack in a wall is a sign of subsidence, but homeowners should keep an eye out for cracks that are wider than 3mm, diagonal, wider at the top than the bottom, or visible both inside and outside the property. Doors or windows suddenly sticking can also be a sign that the building has moved².

If you notice anything concerning, do not ignore it. Contact your home insurer as soon as possible and follow their guidance before arranging repairs.

Check what your home insurance actually covers

Home insurance policies vary, so it is important to understand what is and is not included in your cover.

Buildings insurance will usually protect the structure of your home, including walls, roof, floors and permanent fixtures. Contents insurance protects belongings inside the property. Some policies may include cover for subsidence, alternative accommodation if the property becomes uninhabitable, accidental damage, garden items or freezer contents, but these are not always included in the same way across every policy³.

During a heatwave, it is worth checking:

• Whether your buildings insurance includes subsidence cover.
• What excess would apply to a subsidence claim, as this can be higher than for other types of claim.
• Whether garden items, outbuildings, sheds or external equipment are covered.
• Whether freezer contents are covered if appliances fail during hot weather or a power issue.
• Whether accidental damage is included.
• Whether your policy includes alternative accommodation if the property cannot be lived in following an insured event.

The right cover is not just about finding the cheapest premium. It is about making sure the policy would respond properly if something went wrong.

Simple steps that may help reduce risk

There are practical steps homeowners can take during hot weather to look after their property.

Keep gutters, pipes and drains well maintained, as leaks can affect the ground around a property and may contribute to movement over time. If you own trees or large shrubs close to your home, keep them properly managed and seek professional advice before removing mature trees, as sudden changes can sometimes create further ground movement.

Inside the home, keep rooms cooler by closing curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun, opening windows when the air is cooler and checking that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly. If you are going away during a heatwave, consider whether a trusted neighbour, friend or family member could check the property, particularly if you have vulnerable appliances, pets or plants.

Do not wait until renewal to review your cover

Many people only think about their insurance when the renewal letter arrives. In reality, your insurance should be reviewed whenever your circumstances change.

You may need to review your cover if you have recently extended your home, bought expensive items, started working from home, added garden buildings, installed solar panels, taken in a lodger, or changed how the property is occupied.

Landlords should also check that they have appropriate landlord insurance rather than relying on standard home insurance. Standard residential cover may not be suitable for a let property.

Speak to your broker if you are unsure

Your mortgage is likely to be one of your biggest financial commitments, so protecting the property behind it matters. A suitable general insurance policy can help provide peace of mind that, if the unexpected happens, you are not left facing the full cost alone.

If you are unsure whether your current home insurance is suitable, or whether your cover reflects your property and circumstances, speak to your mortgage broker or insurance adviser. They can help you understand your options and review whether your buildings and contents protection still meets your needs.

Important information

This article is for general information only and does not replace personalised advice. Insurance policies vary by provider, cover level, exclusions and excesses. Always check your policy documents and speak to your insurer or adviser if you are unsure.

Should you fail to disclose or misrepresent a fact, then your risk the insurer only paying part of a claim, declining to pay all the claim and possibly, declaring the policy invalid.

All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 25^th June 2026. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

References: 

1. GOV.UK (2025). Heat-Health Alert action card for health and social care providers. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/heat-health-alert-action-card-for-health-and-social-care-providers [Accessed 23 June 2026].
2. Abi.org.uk. (2025). How subsidence can affect your home – what you need to know | ABI. [online] Available at: https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/home-insurance/subsidence/how-subsidence-can-affect-your-home/ [Accessed 23 June 2026].
3. MoneyHelper (2026). What is buildings insurance? | MoneyHelper. [online] Available at: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/what-is-buildings-insurance.html [Accessed 23 June 2026].

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