Storm damage: which insurance covers claims, and when?
Storms can cause immense damage to household belongings, buildings and vehicles. Comparis explains which insurance policies cover this damage, and what best to do in the event of a claim.
07.06.2022
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1. What insurance pays for storm damage?
With insurance against storm damage, you protect your assets against financial loss. Depending on where the damage occurred, a different insurance policy applies in the event of storm damage. As with other severe weather claims this will be your home contents insurance, buildings insurance or casco insurance.
Here's how they differ:
Household contents insurance covers storm damage to movable property. If a storm damages your barbecue or garden furniture, this insurance will cover it.
Buildings insurance pays for storm damage to buildings and building components. Storm damage to the roof or shutters is also covered. It is especially relevant for homeowners.
In most cantons, buildings insurance is compulsory and is regulated by the cantonal buildings insurance scheme. In other regions, it is a private insurance matter.
Casco insurance covers the risk of storm damage to your car. Such natural hazard claims are covered by partial casco insurance.
Good to know
Storm damage is referred to as a natural hazard event. This is a natural event with the potential to cause damage. In addition to storms, floods, hail and avalanches also fall into this category.
2. When is damage classified as storm damage?
An important criterion in the recognition of storm damage is the wind force. Private insurance companies and cantonal building insurance schemes apply different parameters here:
Private buildings insurance, home contents insurance and casco insurance policies apply the definition contained in the Supervision Ordinance (AVO). A storm is defined as a wind of at least 75 km/h capable of uprooting trees and damaging roofs near the insured property.
In the case of cantonal buildings insurance schemes, a wind is regarded as a storm if it reaches a speed of at least 63 km/h or gusts at 100 km/h for 10 minutes.
A further criterion for the recognition of storm damage is due care: building insurance, liability insurance and casco insurance generally require policyholders to take reasonable measures to prevent damage.
If you are in gross breach of your due care obligations and damage occurs as a result, insurance companies may reduce or refuse compensation.
Example: storm damage to roller shutters/sunshades
A violent storm with wind speeds of over 75 km/h sweeps over Switzerland. There was plenty of notice. You didn't roll in the awnings on your building. After the storm, the shades are severely damaged. The building insurance could claim a gross breach of your duty of care.
A violent storm with wind speeds of over 75 km/h sweeps over Switzerland. There was plenty of notice. You didn't roll in the awnings on your building. After the storm, the shades are severely damaged. The building insurance could claim a gross breach of your duty of care.
3. What can I do in case of storm damage?
Register a claim with your insurance company as quickly as possible. Clarify the procedure with your insurance company and document all damage. Always have your policy number ready to hand for further contact with the insurance company.
Insurers experience a spike in claims following a storm and major events, which often means longer response times. Anyone who is unhappy with the way their claim has been handled has 14 days after becoming aware of the payment of the claim to terminate their insurance. This only applies to private insurance, however. Cantonal building insurance cannot be cancelled.
Avoiding consequential damage
Even after a storm, the duty of care continues to apply. If a storm damages your roof, you must temporarily protect it to stop water getting in. The insurance company may otherwise limit or reject liability.
4. How can I protect my property against storm damage?
Here are just a few of the precautions that can help prevent storm damage in the event of a storm warning:
Retract awnings and close sun umbrellas. Flying umbrellas can cause damage and injury to people, pets and property.
Pull up roller shutters.
Close all windows, doors and traditional window shutters.
Regularly check the health of the trees in your garden. Remove diseased branches or dead trees.
Check that roof tiles are secure.
Tie down movable items like chairs, tables or flower pots.
Park your car in a garage if possible.
This article was first published on 16.01.2018
