Having damage covered by household contents insurance is the purpose of insurance. But not every provider pays in every case. Important information can be found here.
Storm damage
Both summer storms and winter storms are becoming more frequent and more intense. This is not only unpleasant, but can also cause significant damage. Even a broken branch or a window left open is enough to destroy glass, cause laminate to swell or cause water damage.
In order not to have to bear the costs alone, household contents insurance makes sense. However, there are significant differences among providers in terms of how they cover possible financial expenses. These include, for example, the classification of wind and the demarcation against storms.
Wind strength
The insurance policy can cover storm damage, but it is not effective if it was just a case of strong wind. This distinction is made using the Beaufort scale. If the measured wind force is 8 or below, it is wind. If it is above this, it is called a storm. You should definitely pay attention to this when deciding on household contents insurance. The difference between whether you have to pay for damage yourself or whether it is covered by the policy can be a matter of a few kilometers per hour in wind speed.
Negligence
One of the most common reasons for no insurance benefits is negligent behavior on the part of the policyholder. These can also be small oversights. For example:
- Tilted or open windows
- Burning candles or open fire
- Unlocked doors
- Untrimmed trees
- Unsecured parasols
If, for example, your balcony door is damaged because the parasol stand tips over, a window pane is splintered by a branch that breaks off or it rains in, the costs are often not covered.
Tip:
To prevent this, you should choose a policy that waives the defense of gross negligence. This can ensure that the costs are covered.
Maximum amount
Depending on the provider and tariff, the insurance contract specifies whether a maximum amount or a percentage share will be covered in the event of damage. For example, with a maximum amount you will receive a sum of 2.000 euros, even if the damage is 5,000 euros or even higher. However, if the costs are covered on a percentage basis, the specified share is paid. The higher this proportion, the higher the insurance costs.
Household contents
Make the maximum amount you can cover dependent on the value of your household goods. A good insurance company will advise you in detail on this matter. However, it doesn't hurt if you do an inventory yourself.
A luxury segment apartment with appropriate furnishings should be insured more than a student apartment with inexpensive second-hand furnishings. It is ideal if you include the value of the following items in your household contents:
- Books
- Electrical appliances
- Art objects
- Luxury goods
- Furniture
- Jewelry and Watches
- Home textiles
Even if you own very expensive clothing, expensive luxury goods such as cigars and wine or valuable books, you should add these. Then divide the sum by the number of square meters and you will find the appropriate tariff for your insurance more easily.
Information about duties
A good home insurance policy will provide you with comprehensive information about your obligations in the event of damage caused by summer storms. These include, among others:
Immediate notification
You must report to the insurance company immediately if damage has occurred. In these cases, she should be available around the clock.
Harm Reduction
If, for example, there is water damage due to a broken pipe, the main water tap must be turned off. In apartment buildings, this is not always so easy for tenants.
Info: Appropriate contact points are the building manager or caretaker. There should also be an emergency number in case of accidents.
Leave damage pattern
You should refrain from making any changes to the damage, such as cleaning up or removing items.
Follow instructions
When you report the damage, a good insurance company will automatically inform you about what to do next. This will help you take the right steps and actions. Follow the instructions carefully. Otherwise, you could be accused of breaching your obligations and the costs could be refused.
Summer Storm Coverage
Even good household contents insurance only covers storm damage to household contents. This means that goods of use and consumption are insured. When reading the contract, be very careful to ensure that the following items are insured:
- Furniture
- Carpets and home textiles
- Securities
- Electrical appliances including tools
- Art and Decorations
- Food
If, however, it concerns your car or damage to the house, other insurance policies will apply.
Tip:
Also make sure that items in the basement are also insured. This is also where everyday items and supplies are occasionally stored, which, for example, could be affected by storm-related damage to the building, their value reduced or even completely destroyed.
Contract and customer reviews
Due to the large number of providers and different tariffs, you should definitely study every detail of the contract carefully before signing. If something is unclear to you, ask and have the meaning explained to you. A good and reputable insurance provider will provide you with comprehensive information and, among other things, suggest tariffs that are more suitable for you.
Another good source of information is reviews from other policyholders. For example, it may be noticeable that some providers repeatedly do not make payments, that a lot of time passes before the costs are covered and that a great deal of effort is required on the part of the insured, or that loopholes are found.
Home contents insurance with extras
When concluding a contract, make sure that any external rooms that may exist are also insured. These include, for example, those that are rented or that belong to the apartment:
- Garages
- Hobby rooms
- Private storage rooms
- Workshops
These should also be protected and insured against damage caused by summer storms. You should definitely find out in advance whether this is the case.
