Car damaged after the storm: who pays for the costs?

Created: 05/19/2022, 02:35 p.m

After a stormy night: As a rule, comprehensive insurance can be claimed for such storm damage.

© Sebastian Gollnow/dpa/dpa-tmn

Broken branches, floods - nature can rage violently.

But even minor damage after storms can cost money.

Which insurance pays what, and what do those affected have to do?

Berlin - If a car has suffered damage during a storm, this is a case for comprehensive insurance.

In addition, according to the General Association of the Insurance Industry (GDV), partial coverage also covers damage such as lightning, fire, hail or flooding.

Some insurance companies only define storms above a certain level, usually from wind force 8. But in practice, there is usually hardly any corresponding damage, according to the GDV.

Take photos and report damage

If you notice any damage, it is best to take photos of it, for example with your cell phone.

After reporting the damage to the insurance company, those affected discuss everything else with them - for example which workshop will take over the repair.

However, further damage must also be prevented.

For example, a broken pane should be covered with foil to prevent rain from getting into the car.

more on the subject

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This is how the insurance returns money

Fully comprehensive insurance expands the benefits of partially comprehensive insurance and also covers damage you have caused yourself, and the wind speed is no longer important.

Depending on the contract and the amount of the damage, the comprehensive insurance pays the cost of the repair or the new or replacement value.

However, if a deductible is agreed, policyholders must always pay it.

With fully comprehensive insurance, the customer is only downgraded in the no-claims class after self-inflicted damage.

dpa