Storm Barbara hits Israel and causes quite a bit of damage to property.
At the same time, the earthquakes that struck Turkey were also felt in Israel.
This time it ended without local damage, but all the experts believe that it is only a matter of time until a strong earthquake hits us.
Adv. Assaf Varsha, co-chairman of the Tort Forum at the Bar Association, expert in insurance law, answers the essential and frequent questions on these issues.
My house was flooded. How should I act?
"As long as there is no danger to life, the damage must be documented through a series of photographs showing its full extent. One should not be satisfied with a single or partial photograph, but rather fully, reliably and accurately reflect the manner and nature of the damage.
Is every intrusion of rain into the house a covered damage?
"No. The insurance supervisor determined within a standard apartment insurance policy that the penetration of water through the ceiling and its absorption - are not covered and do not give the insured a right to receive compensation. On the other hand, the regulator determined that if the meteorological event is defined as a storm - coverage will be provided."
Is it required to purchase separate coverage for earthquake damage to my apartment?
"There is no need. This is a coverage that is automatically included in the apartment policy, and it is priced at a premium paid by the insured. It is possible to cancel this coverage, but this requires signing a statement."
Piles of snow in Hermon, photo: Hermon website
My apartment is insured as part of the mortgage insurance. Does it also give me automatic coverage for earthquake damage?
"Yes, but with a significant caveat - mortgage insurance includes coverage for damage caused to the structure only, and does not provide an answer for damage caused to the contents. For this, coverage must be purchased separately."
Does earthquake coverage also provide an answer for small damages caused to the apartment?
"The question is what is small damage. In contrast to the deductible stated in the policy in the case of 'normal damage', which is usually between NIS 400 and NIS 1,000, when it comes to the deductible in the event of an earthquake, it is 5-10% of the insurance amount to the structure and content".
My car is insured with comprehensive insurance. Does it also include coverage for the risk of an earthquake?
"No. A car policy is a contract whose terms were dictated by the insurance supervisor, who determined that an earthquake is not considered a risk that is covered by a standard car policy. There are companies that allow you to extend the coverage, but this is conditional on paying an additional premium."
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