Snow in Germany can be a picturesque sight, with houses covered in a layer of white, but it can also lead to serious issues. Recently, numerous regions have seen substantial snowfall, making for a charming scene. However, the accumulated snow poses a significant danger. Snow avalanches and heavy snow loads can damage properties or even harm people. But who's responsible for compensating for such damage?
Well, insurance covers it, but the specifics depend on your situation.
Multi-family housing and liability
In the event that a snowfall causes a mass to fall from a roof onto a pedestrian, owners of multi-family houses should have both building and liability insurance. This is according to insurance expert Andreas Gernt. For single-family homes, the private liability insurance of the homeowner typically covers any potential damages if they live in the house.
Obligations for insurance coverage
Owner responsibilities include clearing snow from sidewalks, driveways, and property areas within a day, and spreading salt on icy areas when necessary. These obligations can be transferred to tenants or service providers.
Motor vehicle insurance and snow avalanches
Damage to a parked car due to a falling snow avalanche should be reported to the comprehensive motor vehicle insurance company. While it may provide some compensation, it may not cover the entire damage. In such cases, the property owner could be held liable if they neglected their duties well.
This private liability insurance could cover some of the resulting damages.
Homeowners insurance and natural disasters
Homeowners insurance only covers major natural disasters such as fire, lightning, storms, and hail. Specific insurance is required for damage caused by snow loads.
Insurance policies for winter sports and home insurance that cover natural disasters and winter-related risks provide coverage for the damage caused by snow. Homeowners should take preventive measures to prevent damage, such as regular roof maintenance and proper snow shoveling techniques.
In case of an insurance claim, homeowners should file it promptly to avoid complications.
[1] DSV aktiv winter sports insurance coverage. [2] Proper snow shoveling techniques. [3] Insurance claim statistics in Germany. [4] Homeowner's insurance requirements and coverage.
So, don't let snowfall turn into a headache. Understand your insurance needs, take the necessary precautions, and be prepared to file a claim if necessary.
