Storm damage
Storm coming? You naturally try to prevent damage as much as possible by taking preventive measures, but sometimes, unfortunately, to no avail. Have you sustained storm damage from storms?
What to do in case of storm damage
In case of storm damage, it is important that you contact your intermediary or insurance company as soon as possible. They can tell you exactly what to do and what you are entitled to. When you have clarity on what the damage is, and an indication of the cost to repair it, they can give you clarity the quickest.
If you have to make your own emergency arrangements to ensure that the damage does not get worse, then of course you agree, it is in everyone's best interest. It is also possible that the insurer will send an expert to assess the damage. It is also wise to take photos of the damage. You can use those later to support your claim.
Storm damage deductible
Storm damage is obviously annoying enough, and you would prefer that storm damage be repaired as soon as possible. With building insurance, you pay a deductible in the event of storm damage before you are reimbursed for the damage. Usually this amount is set at €150. You can increase or decrease the amount yourself. There is a higher deductible for storm damage than for most other damages. In general, you pay 2/1000th of the amount for which you have insured the home as a deductible. This amount is usually between €200 and €500 but varies by insurer.
Storm damage prevention
(Storm damage) prevention is better than cure. If it is known in advance that a storm is coming, it is important to be prepared and check a few things before the storm hits.
- Close all doors and windows. To ensure that doors and windows are not easily carried away by the storm, it is important that you close them. This also prevents precipitation from getting inside.
- Make sure all items in the garden or on the balcony are secured and cannot blow away. If necessary, put items inside the shed or garage. Also check that the fence is secure and cannot blow away.
- See if any roof tiles are crooked or loose. When roof tiles can blow away, it creates a lot of danger. Not only in terms of damage to your home, but also to the people and belongings around the home. In addition, blown away roof tiles can cause leaks.
- Remove dead or loose branches from trees around your home. Not only does this reduce the weight of trees. Loose branches are also a major damage risk.
Frequently asked questions about storm damage
Am I insured for storm damage by default?
A severe storm can do a lot of damage to such things as your home, belongings or car. Insurers speak of a storm when there is at least wind force 7. Fortunately, a lot of damage is compensated if you are insured for it. For example, storm damage to your car is insured, depending on the type of coverage you have taken out.
Damage to your home is covered by your home insurance and damage to your belongings can be recovered from your home insurance company. However, there is a separate deductible for storm damage. The amount of the deductible determines the part of the damage that is for your own account. Also, the coverage for storm damage can differ from one insurer to another. Your advisor can help you with that.
I have storm damage to my car
Storm damage to your car is insured if you have WA + Limited Casco or WA + Full Casco (All-risk) car insurance. If your car is WA insured, you are unfortunately not insured for storm damage. With this coverage you are only insured for damage you cause to others.
I have storm damage to my property
A big storm can also cause considerable damage to your home. Think of broken roof tiles, a blown down fence, damaged solar panels or serious water damage. Storm damage to your home is covered by your home insurance. However, there is a higher deductible for storm damage than for other damages.
The deductible often starts from €250, but can vary from one insurer to another. In case of damage caused by a storm, you pay your own deductible first. The rest of the damage is reimbursed by the insurer. When taking out your home insurance, you choose the amount of the deductible. In your policy you can find the amount of your deductible.
I have storm damage to my belongings
Loose items in your garden can easily be damaged during a storm. With contents insurance, these items are insured, such as a parasol, barbecue or lounge set. However, the coverage may vary from one insurer to another.
For example, one insurer will only reimburse if something was blown against your belongings from the outside, such as a fallen tree. Also, not all insurers compensate damage to the plants in your garden. The exact coverage can be found in the policy conditions of your insurer. Your advisor can help you with this.
We can be reached via chat, WhatsApp, phone or email
Questions? Contact us if you want to know more.
We are here Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00.