Dealing with the aftermath of heavy snowfall in Germany can be a double-edged sword. While the sight of pristine, snow-covered villages is picturesque, the built-up snow presents its own set of challenges.
Recent snowfalls in various regions paint a picturesque landscape with the gilded rooftops of houses shimmering in the morning sun. However, these piles of snow carry potential dangers as well. For instance, avalanches descending on people or the burden that roofs can no longer bear could lead to extensive damage.
So, who should bear the cost of these damages? Insurance, it seems, can be the saving grace in such situations.
Homeowners in multi-family houses should consider insuring both the building and their liability. According to insurance expert, Andreas Gernt, failure to do so could leave these homeowners liable for any resulting damages. For single-homeowners, a private liability insurance policy usually suffices, covering potential claims from people outside their household.
To trigger insurance coverage, owners have certain responsibilities. They must clear snow and spread salt to maintain a safe environment. In case they delegate these tasks to tenants or service providers, this obligation can be transferred to them.
But what if the damage results from a falling snow avalanche? The affected party should contact their comprehensive motor vehicle insurance company. While this might offer some form of compensation, it could fall short, requiring the property owner to contribute to cover any exacerbated damages. This, in turn, can rely on private liability or homeowners and landowners insurance.
It's essential to inspect the building thoroughly during winter. Damage from snow loads should be accounted for. Moreover, specific winter disaster insurance is required to protect against such damages. Landlord insurance, while covering major risks like fire, lightning, storms, and hail, may not be sufficient for snow load-related damages.
Enrichment Insights: In Germany, various types of insurance exist to cover damage caused by snow. Here's a glimpse:
- Home Contents Insurance (Hausinhaltsversicherung): This typically covers damage to household goods and valuables but may not cover building damage.
- Homeowners Liability Insurance (Haus- und Grundbesitzerhaftpflichtversicherung): This insurance covers costs related to damage to people or property and financial losses.
- Personal Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung): This insurance covers personal injury, property damage, and financial losses caused by the policyholder.
- Winter Sports Equipment Insurance: This type of insurance covers theft, breakage, and damage to winter sports equipment.
