Snow in Germany can be a beautiful sight, with homes adorned in a blanket of white. However, heavy snowfall can lead to serious issues, such as snow avalanches and heavy snow loads that can damage properties or harm people. So, who bears the responsibility for compensating for such damages?
Insurance usually covers it, but the specifics depend on your situation.
Multi-family housing and liability
For instance, if a snowfall causes a mass to fall from a roof onto a pedestrian in a multi-family house, the owners 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 usually covers any potential damages if they live in the house.
Obligations for insurance coverage
As a property owner, you're responsible for 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
In the event of a falling snow avalanche, damage to a parked car 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 potentially be held liable if they neglected their duties.
This private liability insurance could cover some of the resulting damages.
Homeowners insurance and natural disasters
Homeowners insurance typically 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, including regular roof maintenance and proper snow shoveling techniques, to prevent damage.
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.
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.
Now, let's delve deeper into the insurance scene in Germany:
In Germany, property owners and motor vehicle owners have specific insurance responsibilities and obligations regarding snow-related damage. However, these are generally not covered by standard house insurance policies.
Property Owners
Standard house insurance in Germany typically does not cover damage caused by rain or snow. Some specialized policies or additional coverage might be available for specific types of damage, but this is not standard. Allianz household insurance, for instance, includes coverage for property damage caused by storm, hail, and snow pressure, but the specific details and limits vary depending on the policy package.
Motor Vehicle Owners
For motor vehicles, general liability insurance might cover third-party liabilities, but it does not specifically address snow-related damage to the vehicle itself. While RV & Campervan Liability Insurance is primarily focused on liability and collision damage waiver for campervans and RVs in the US, it does not specifically address snow-related damage in Germany.
Specific Obligations
Property owners are responsible for maintaining their properties to prevent damage from snow and ice. Failure to do so might not be covered under standard insurance policies. Regular inspections of roofs and gutters can help prevent damage from snow and ice. Neglecting these duties could potentially make the property owner liable for damages.
