Elemental protection in the event of flooding: When does insurance take effect and how can homeowners protect themselves from damage?

Elemental protection in the event of flooding: When does insurance take effect and how can homeowners protect themselves from damage?

According to a report by www.fr.de, many regions in Germany are currently affected by flooding. This can cause significant damage to homes and property. But which insurance policies apply in such cases and which precautionary measures should homeowners take?

Homeowners insurance typically does not cover damage caused by flooding. Natural hazards such as floods, backwaters, earthquakes, landslides, snow pressure, avalanches or volcanic eruptions require an additional option to be completed. In Germany, only 46 percent of private homes are insured against this damage. Since heavy rain can also damage houses in supposedly safe areas, additional natural hazard insurance should be considered.

Insurance coverage exists if groundwater comes to the surface and then gets into the house. However, damage caused by storm surges or groundwater entering the basement masonry from below is not covered. It is therefore advisable to take out residential building insurance including protection against natural hazards.

When deciding whether to take out natural hazard insurance, the insurance company takes into account the history of damage in the region over the last few years and decades. Homeowners should also consider the responsibilities associated with the closing, such as installing intact check valves in flood-prone rooms and storing belongings in the basement at least five inches above the ground in combination with home contents insurance.

In view of the current flood situation and the potentially increasing frequency of heavy rain events, it is advisable to consider taking out natural hazard insurance and to discuss the individual risks and options with the insurance company.