Mr Iliffe compared the issue to so-called “acts of God”, which are traditionally quoted by insurance providers as events they will not cover.

“You pay insurance, you think you’re covered,” said Mr Iliffe.

“But when you come to make a claim, they don’t want to pay.”

He accepted that insurance providers may be wary of people using storms as a pretext to make a claim on properties already in need of repair.

“But what on earth are you covered for?” he asked. “If you have a fire, does the fire have to be a certain temperature? It beggars belief.”

After the BBC reported Mr Iliffe’s story, Ageas confirmed it would settle his claim.

Claims Director Stephen Linklater said: “While Mr Iliffe’s claim did not meet the standard definition of a storm, we review each case individually and asked for additional information for the work to consider Mr Iliffe’s case.

“Now that we have supporting information, we have agreed to settle Mr Iliffe’s claim.”