Managing Eight Steps: A Comprehensive Guide
Here's Your Guide When Mother Nature Strikes: A Hassle-Free Approach to Weather-Related Property Damage
When mother nature throws a tantrum, leaving your property in shambles can be a jaw-dropping experience. But fret not, here's a straightforward plan to help you navigate the seven circles of chaos caused by wind, rain, or snow.
- Ensure your safety is top priorityIn the event of severe damage such as uprooted trees breaching the roof or excessive water infiltration, it's crucial to leave the premises immediately. Staying indoors during such instances could lead to potential collapses, and entering wet electrical rooms carries the risk of electric shocks. Keep a safe distance unless advised otherwise by emergency services like the fire department.
- Inform your insurance company promptlyOnce the initial shock subsides, it's essential to act swiftly. Contact your home insurance provider promptly and minimize further damage. Failure to notify them may lead to potential issues when settling the claim. Keep the insurance company's contact details handy.
Pro Tip: When shopping for home insurance, opt for policies with comprehensive coverage for weather-related damage, as insurers settled over 5.5 billion euros in claims for weather damage in 2024 alone.
- Do what it takes to prevent additional damageQuick action is key when dealing with weather-related property damage. Bianca Boss, Vice-President of the Association of Insured (BdV), advocates for taking immediate steps to limit damage by temporarily repairing broken windows, doors, and roofs using tarps or taking other measures to prevent rain from entering and unauthorized access.
- Document the damageInsurers will require an examination of the damage to determine their liability. Document the damage thoroughly using photos or videos. Keep damaged items, if possible, as it provides evidence to support your claim.
- Clean up with permissionWhile you may be eager to restore your living spaces, wait for the insurance company's approval before making any changes. Cleanup activities could affect the claims process if not carried out properly. Follow the instructions provided by the insurer to avoid delays or reductions in your claim.
- Compile a list of damaged itemsPrepare a comprehensive list of damaged items, including their purchase date, price, and value. Insurers usually require this information to help settle your claim. Keep the list up-to-date and submit it to the insurance company within two weeks of the incident.
- Hire a professional to repair the damageAsk the insurance company if they have specific guidelines for repair work before hiring any contractors. In some cases, contractors should be chosen by the insurance company. Send invoices for repairs only after the work has been completed.
- Collect your hard-earned moneyWhile there are no legal deadlines for insurance companies to process claims, they are required to provide an advance payment within one month if you have fulfilled your obligations, such as promptly reporting the damage, limiting additional damage, and assisting the insurance company with the claims process.
Sources: ntv.de, Monika Hillemacher, dpa
- Real Estate
- Homeowner
- Renter
- Landlord
- Insurance
- Stiftung Warentest
- Finanztest
- Storm
- Flood
- Natural Disasters
- Professional Services
- Contractor
Council members should discuss ways to support tenants and landlords in managing weather-related property damage, including recommended insurance policies with comprehensive coverage.Finance committees may also consider allocating funds for the development of a foundation offering grants to homeowners and renters for property repairs in case of natural disasters, as the cost of insurance premiums might be prohibitive for some individuals.
