After the flood - act quickly and correctly!
Since the end of May, above-average amounts of precipitation have fallen in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Rivers, streams and soils could no longer absorb the amounts of precipitation, as an unusually large amount of rain had already fallen in the previous weeks and months. The consequences are immense. Industrial plants, houses and nursing homes were flooded by the water. The extreme weather event has even claimed lives, seriously injured people and caused extensive damage to property, real estate, production facilities, office buildings and storage rooms. Insurers estimate the damage at around two billion euros. However, this is only a preliminary forecast, as the German Insurance Association (GDV) reports. But what should be done in an emergency to repair damage as quickly as possible and minimize loss of earnings?
When the building is underwater
Kerstin Schneller, head of the Industrial Claims department in our group of companies, advises acting calmly and prudently in this case: “It is important that the affected customers act correctly. They should be aware that they have to act quickly, but also that they are obliged to document the damage.” Photos and videos are helpful in this case. Due to the scale of the disaster, it is impossible for every claim to be assessed by an expert. In this case, the expert recommends keeping precise records of the individual steps of the clean-up operation. A list should also be drawn up of the damaged production facilities, machinery, warehouses, office space, operating resources, materials, goods and stocks, and it is imperative that photos are taken of the items that have to be disposed of immediately. As a customer, you are required to provide evidence.
Reviewing insurance policies and reporting damage
As soon as the initial shock has been overcome, those affected should contact their customer advisor to review the insurance policies together: Does the building insurance include a natural hazard component that covers other natural hazards such as flooding caused by heavy rain? The building insurance covers damage that has occurred directly to the building. If the furnishings are affected, then the inventory insurance will take effect – here, too, it is necessary to check whether protection against further natural hazards is included. If vehicles from the fleet are damaged, then motor vehicle insurance is important.
Of course, the account managers and account representatives are available to help. “Our employees are always approachable and happy to support you,” says Kerstin Schneller.
The initial clean-up
When the water level drops, the rooms should be adequately ventilated and the dirt and mud removed before everything dries. Since it is highly unlikely that an expert will be able to assess the situation on site in every case, we recommend that you contact deas. We have contact details for various specialist companies that can assist with the clean-up. If these service providers are also working at full capacity, we advise, in case of doubt, to document the damage photographically in consultation with the respective account manager and then start with the clean-up. Together and on the basis of good documentation, we will then also find solutions with the insurers. If companies are contracted to do the work, it is advisable to have an approximate estimate of the expected costs made and to obtain approval from the insurance company.
Your contact persons are there for you. We will support you in this extraordinary situation or advise you if you have any questions about insurance coverage. You can also find more information on this topic in this blog post.