Important information
Leading climate researchers agree that extreme weather events will become more and more frequent. Storm Sabine is one of a series of storms that have caused damage in the billions. However, there is no state protection for natural disasters in Germany and so the costs for damage that is not covered by insurance policies often remain with the injured party. Basically, it is important to know that winds of force 8 and above are also considered storms in Germany. If the value is lower, the insurance company will not pay for damage. In addition, there is no insurance that explicitly covers damage from a storm. But which insurance applies to damage to the house or car?
The building insurance
Home insurance covers damage to the home. Natural hazards are usually excluded, but since storms in Germany are not considered natural forces, damage caused by them is covered by most building insurance companies. However, you should make sure that this is explicitly listed in the building insurance benefits. For example, if storm damage was included in the policy, the insurance is not only liable for a roof that was covered by the wind, but also for indirect damage, such as a fallen tree that damaged the house. However, the situation is different if the damage is also due to your own fault. So if the fallen tree was rotten and should have been felled, homeowners will need homeowners liability insurance to cover the damage.
The home insurance
If the storm has caused damage inside the house, the contents insurance will usually cover it. However, only if you are not responsible for the damage caused. If, for example, water penetrates into the interior of the building through damage to the roof and causes consequential damage to the furnishings or to commodities and consumables, household contents insurance takes effect. Indirect storm damage is also insured, such as damage caused when the storm throws a tree onto the roof.
Partial and fully comprehensive insurance
Whether hail, strong gusts of wind or falling trees, the car is often particularly affected during a storm. If your own car is damaged by a storm, the partially comprehensive insurance usually pays. It doesn’t matter whether the storm damages the car directly or whether branches, roof tiles or similar cause damage. Only if you can prove that you are at fault does the partially comprehensive insurance not apply. So if you cause damage through an accident during or after the storm, it is only covered by fully comprehensive insurance.
It is important to note that
Regardless of the damage caused by a storm, the responsible insurance company should be reported immediately. Information such as the exact location and time is particularly important. Based on this data, the insurance company can conclusively trace the claim. Photos of the damage that has occurred can also help. In addition, there is a so-called “damage mitigation obligation”. This means that damage to the house, for example, must be secured with a tarpaulin in order to keep the damage as low as possible.
Editorial office finanzen.net
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