Flood, heavy rain, landslide: enforce natural hazard insurance

Damage from natural hazards such as flood, heavy rain, backwater or landslide is only covered by natural hazard insurance (often as an add-on to the building or contents insurance). Normal building insurance alone usually is not enough for this. Anyone who has the module should report the loss correctly.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Natural hazard damage (flood, heavy rain, backwater, landslide, snow pressure and others) is only covered if the natural hazard module is agreed. Check your policy, storm and hail, on the other hand, are often already included in the building insurance.

If the module is present, you have a claim to compensation for the insured damage. What matters are the immediate report, mitigating the loss and careful documentation.

What you should do now

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1. Check the policy
Clarify whether a natural hazard module is agreed and which natural hazards it covers.
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2. Document the loss
Photograph and film all damage before clean-up work and list damaged items.
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3. Report and mitigate immediately
Report the loss without delay and start securing and drying to avoid consequential damage.
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4. Enforce the settlement
In case of delay or refusal, demand the benefit in writing with a deadline and demand a justification.

How to spot the scam

You assume flood is automatically included in the building insurance.
Damaged items are disposed of before they were documented.
The insurer drags out the settlement despite the module being present.

Frequently asked questions

Does normal building insurance pay for a flood?

Usually not. Damage from flood, heavy rain, backwater or landslide is only covered by the additional natural hazard insurance module. Storm and hail, on the other hand, are often already included. Check your policy carefully.

What do I have to do after the damage?

Document all damage before cleaning up with photos and videos, report the loss to the insurer without delay and start securing and drying to avoid consequential damage.

What if the insurer does not pay?

Check whether the natural hazard module is agreed. If it is present, demand the settlement in writing with a deadline and demand a comprehensible justification. For larger losses, professional support is worthwhile.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.