Are You Insured for Heavy Rain and Flooding? Understanding Your Coverage Options.

At the beginning of the week, thunderstorms in western Germany caused heavy rain and flooding locally. Many consumers wonder whether they are adequately insured for such claims.

That is why the Association of Insureds provides information about which insurance is required for which damage: Damage caused by lightning, hail or storm damage is covered by normal residential building or household contents insurance. “If you want to protect yourself against flooding caused by heavy rain, you need natural hazard insurance. It can be taken out in addition to residential building and household contents insurance,” says BdV board member Bianca Boss.

In the event of damage to the house or apartment or household contents, in particular due to storm and hail, fire, lightning strike, overvoltage caused by lightning, explosion, implosion and tap water, the residential building or household contents insurance applies.

Natural hazards insurance also covers flooding from rivers or lakes or after rain, but also damage caused by snow pressure, earthquakes, subsidence or landslides, volcanic eruptions, avalanches and backwater. “Unfortunately, natural hazard insurance is not readily available in so-called high-risk areas. Here, protection – if at all – is only offered at very high premiums and with a high deductible in the event of a claim,” says consumer advocate Boss.

Insured persons who have elementary damage insurance should proceed as follows in the event of damage: Those affected who are on site during the event should document it with photos or videos if possible. In this way, it can be proven that, for example, the heavy rain actually caused the flooding. The resulting damage should be reported to the insurance company in writing as soon as possible. It is advisable to contact the responsible claims department of the insurer first by telephone. It is important to note the claim number and the name of the claims officer.

Damage to the building or household contents should be documented with photos and an exact list of the damaged items should be drawn up. The damage pattern may not be changed unless expressly permitted by the insurer. Policyholders have an obligation to mitigate damage: an increase in the damage and further damage should be prevented – but your own safety always has priority.