As of: March 8, 2024, 11:44 a.m
By: Juliane Reyle
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A “battery rain” is also expected to hit Germany.
But who actually pays if space debris causes damage to the car?
A battery pack from the ISS is currently falling towards Earth.
Germany and Baden-Württemberg could also be hit by falling space debris.
But what happens if the car is damaged?
Who pays the damage?
echo24.de
reports who is liable for damage caused by space debris, what insurance covers in the event of a meteorite impact and whether the car should be driven into the garage.
Space debris damages car: Liability and insurance is regulated
The country that launched the satellite is also liable for any damage caused.
This is how the United Nations Outer Space Treaty regulates the problem.
In the current case, the USA would be responsible (NASA), as “ntv” explains.
Because the falling battery block is American property.
Not only damage to the car, but also personal injuries are covered by liability.
The liability agreement was established in 1967.
This was also confirmed by Dr.
Holger Krag, space debris expert at ESA, in an interview with “Bild”:
“If damage occurs on Earth, the so-called starting state is always liable, i.e. the country that launched a satellite into space.”
Abandoned scrap or meteorite damaged car – does insurance pay?
The situation is different if space debris cannot be assigned or an asteroid or meteorite falls to Earth.
In the event of a meteorite impact, insurance coverage is guaranteed, as “HNA” writes.
However, only fully comprehensive insurance will pay for all damage to the vehicle.
Partial comprehensive insurance only covers glass damage, as “ntv” writes.
If you don't have insurance, you'll probably be stuck with the damage.
But it is important to note: In the event of a storm, hail or flood - the insurance does not pay for this car damage.