Gigantic storm damage: Alfa Insurance expects 850 million forints!

Gigantic storm damage: Alfa Insurance expects 850 million forints!

On July 7th and 8th, 2023, Hungary experienced severe storms, which led to over 5,700 claims being reported to Alfa Insurance. These numbers could continue to increase until the morning of July 9, 2023, bringing the total damage estimate up to 850 million forints. According to the Balaton newspaper The total number of claims is expected to exceed ten thousand.

The most affected regions are Bács-Kiskun, Csongrád-Csanád and Pest, but reports are recorded from throughout the national territory. Typical damage includes fallen trees, flooding from heavy rain, as well as damage to roofs and problems caused by water damage.

Special challenges for insurance companies

The deputy general director of Alfa Biztosító, Tamás Szombat, said that the large number of damage reports represents an exceptional burden. Nevertheless, he gave the all-clear because the capacities of the expert network are sufficient to ensure that the reports are processed efficiently. Customers have the opportunity to conveniently submit their claims via the AlfaGo app, which has already been downloaded by more than 130,000 users.

Storm damage is not only problematic in Hungary. In Germany, especially in Hamburg and northern Germany, they occur frequently, especially in autumn and winter. Loud Haspa Insider, storm damage is defined by a wind force of at least 9 on the Beaufort scale, which corresponds to approximately 75 km/h. Insurance companies usually only cover the costs above this wind speed.

A variety of damage and preventive measures

The most common storm damage includes:

• Dachschäden, bei denen Dachziegel abgerissen oder die gesamte Dachkonstruktion beschädigt werden können.
• Umstürzende Bäume, die großen Schaden an Häusern oder Autos anrichten können.
• Beschädigungen an Fassaden und Fenstern, ausgelöst durch starke Windböen.
• Herausgeflogene Gartenmöbel und andere leichte Gegenstände.

In addition, cars are often at risk from flying parts or falling trees. Indirect damage from falling trees or flooding can also be significant. Experts therefore recommend documenting damage immediately, taking photos and videos, creating a detailed list of damage and reporting the insurance claim promptly.

Important types of insurance that are helpful in the event of storm damage include homeowners insurance, which covers damage to the house, and household contents insurance, which covers damage to furniture and electrical appliances. Natural hazards and motor vehicle insurance offer additional protection against natural hazards and direct storm damage.

In view of current weather events, it is advisable to regularly check official storm warnings in order to be able to react to possible dangers in a timely manner.