Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in Germany: heavy rain, flooding, landslides, backflow from the sewer. Damage that used to be the exception is becoming a recurring reality. Natural hazard insurance (Elementarversicherung) protects against exactly these risks, which are not included in classic buildings insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung) or household contents insurance (Hausratversicherung).
Standard buildings insurance covers storm and hail, but not flooding from heavy rain or high water. Landslides, earthquakes, snow load and avalanches are not included in the basic policy either. Anyone who lives in a flood zone or owns a house in a risk area knows that a single extreme weather loss can cost six figures.
Natural hazard insurance can be added as a module to buildings insurance and household contents insurance. It closes the gaps and makes sure cover also exists for the weather risks that are most often underestimated. Cellars, ground floors and outdoor areas in particular can be badly damaged within a very short time by heavy rain.
The premium depends on how exposed the property is: buildings in flood-prone locations pay correspondingly more, but also face the highest risk. In less exposed areas, the premium is often surprisingly low compared with the potential loss.
We check with you whether your property is adequately covered against natural hazard damage, and close any existing gaps directly.
Natural hazard insurance benefits
Extremwetterschutz for buildings: standard buildings insurance covers fire, lightning, explosion, tap water, burst pipes, frost, storm and hail. Extremwetterschutz adds: flooding, earthquake, landslide, snow load, avalanches, backflow.
If you make a claim: all repair work is paid for, up to complete rebuilding, including incidental building costs such as architects' fees.
Covered: building components, sanitary installations, electrical systems, aerials, awnings, solar and photovoltaic systems, water entering through drain pipes, roof terrace flooding (from Komfort).
Extremwetterschutz for household contents: standard household contents cover fire, lightning, explosion, tap water, storm, hail, burglary, robbery, vandalism after a break-in. Extremwetterschutz adds: flooding, earthquake, landslide, snow load, avalanches, backflow. If you make a claim: replacement at new value or repair costs.
Not covered: groundwater that has not reached the surface, storm surge, subsidence or landslide caused by human activity (mining), flooding of underground garages.
Natural hazard insurance tips
Prevention before extreme weather:
- Check wastewater pipes and backflow valves regularly
- Secure outdoor items such as awnings when storm warnings are issued
- Waterproof the cellar and basement
- Keep important documents in rooms on higher floors
- Install backflow valves in cellar and basement drainage
Everyday examples: buildings: heavy rainfall floods the plot and water enters the cellar. Extremwetterschutz pays for drying and repair costs. Household contents: a river bursts its banks and the garden is flooded. Garden furniture and lawn mower are badly damaged. Extremwetterschutz pays at new price.
