building insurance

The cantonal buildings insurance covers homeowners in the case of damage resulting from fire, water or natural forces (e.g. flooding, storms or hail). Sometimes the risk to photovoltaic systems from fire and natural forces can/must be insured by the relevant cantonal buildings insurance. You will need to enquire about this directly with the buildings insurance providers.

The Helvetia photovoltaics insurance provides much greater cover though. With our solution, operating risks, theft risk, loss of income and damage to the surface used, as well as dismantling and reassembly in the event of roof damage are all insured in addition. Furthermore, we also cover the loss of income if a fire or natural disaster occurs, which is not covered by the cantonal buildings insurance.

You own a holiday home in the mountains. If the house is unoccupied for long periods of time, an acquaintance goes in to check it twice a week. Recently the oil-fired heating broke down, causing the water pipes to freeze. A radiator burst, but fortunately water did not leak out. Who pays for these damages?

You have kept the heating system in operation in your empty holiday home. As this case shows though, heating systems can occasionally fail. It's good therefore, that you have your house checked twice a week during your absence. This way, you can avoid much more serious damage.

Fulfilling your duties of care – avoid frustration

Helvetia expects homeowners to empty systems through which water flows or to keep the heating in operation with adequate monitoring in empty properties.

In the mountains, as mentioned above, two or three checks per week are considered appropriate. If the contractual obligations are met, then Helvetia's buildings insurance will compensate those affected fully and without reductions.

Water damage occurs when water or other liquids leak from their pipes. The affected pipes serve the insured building (buildings insurance) or the building in which the insured household contents are located (household contents insurance). These might be drinking water pipes, for example, tank or heat recovery systems or heating systems.

In addition, water damage to walls and fittings may occur if snow, rain or meltwater penetrates the roof, closed windows, doors or skylights.

A backup in the wastewater pipes or the groundwater can also cause water damage. The same applies if water leaks from mobile appliances, such as decorative fountains, aquaria, waterbeds or ponds.

A targeted and rapid approach can limit water damage in many cases or even prevent it entirely. Good preventative measures can save you a lot of frustration and money, because ultimately water damage is trying and frustrating, particularly when something could easily have been done to prevent it.

Do you live in an area that has been affected by flooding before? Then we recommend that you bear in mind a few important points when furnishing your apartment or house.

As a general rule: Water flows downwards

Rooms that are below or level with the ground are particularly at risk from flooding. These include garages, for example, as well as cellars and basements. Unfortunately, all too often water finds its way into buildings. Be it through windows, doors, light shafts, water pipes or other openings. Therefore, everything that is in at-risk areas is threatened by the ingress of water. Here, it's particularly worth considering items that are sensitive to water and electrical devices/installations.

Note the following points in order to keep water damage to a minimum:

• Through which openings or pipes could water enter into the building? Get suitable material to help stop the leak if water does get in.
• Avoid installing electronic devices and systems in the rooms at risk of flooding.
• Make sure that during your absence a well-briefed, trustworthy person has access to your home and can take the necessary measures if there is a flood.
• Substances that are hazardous to the environment, such as chemicals, paints, thinners, fertilisers, lubricants and fuels must be kept at a safe height away from the flooding and stored in well-sealed containers!

Structural safety precautions in at-risk areas

Weak spots at and within a house can be rectified with a few structural measures: in rooms at risk of flooding, for example, you can fit sealed doors and windows. In external areas you can create a protective wall and purchase mobile protection elements.

The important thing is that you fit electricity meters and distribution systems at a height away from the flooding and that ventilation systems extend upwards so that they cannot become flooded. Secure oil tanks against floating and tipping over.

Commercial property: Store your goods on pallets, so they can be moved to a safe place quickly. You can find further information on commercial properties in the insurance for property, goods and office equipment.

Measures in case of a burst pipe or backwater

1. You should do everything you can to keep the damage to a minimum without taking risks!
2. Water can cause short circuits, so you should disconnect the electricity supply to the affected rooms (unscrew or disconnect fuse) and seal the leaking pipes or outlets with plugs or material so that no more water can penetrate.
3. If the affected room contains a gas pipe, turn the gas off.

You should then call the fire brigade (tel. 118) and your insurance company (Claims Centre Helvetia tel. 058 280 3000). There you will find experts who will be able to help you further. It's best to keep your policy number at hand.

Once the water has drained off or has been pumped out by the fire brigade, start cleaning and tidying immediately. The faster the affected objects are cleared of water and dirt, the more likely it is that they will be salvageable and won't have to be disposed of.

Measures in case of a flood

Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, high water and landslides. The technical term for this is damage caused by natural forces. This can also result in significant water damage to buildings, household contents or the business inventory.

In many cases, targeted and prompt action can limit water damage or even prevent it entirely. So act quickly!

1. Seal doors, windows and other openings that are at risk using sandbags, wooden boards, film or other suitable material.
2. Screw in all shaft covers.
3. Move valuable and water-sensitive items and furnishings to somewhere higher that is safe from the water.
4. Send all lifts to the top floor and shut them down.
5. Switch off electrical equipment and disconnect the electricity supply (fuses) to at-risk parts of the building/rooms. (Pumps need to continue running!)
6. Secure the oil tank against floating and pump off the oil if there is a risk.

If, despite all precautionary measures, water does penetrate the building, ideally you should proceed as follows:

1. Call the fire brigade (tel. 118) and your insurance company (Claims Centre Helvetia tel. 058 280 3000). The experts on the phone will always be able to help you.
2. Try to prevent water penetrating the building further. Sandbags, wooden boards, towels, etc. are useful here.
3. Start the clean-up as soon as possible so that as much as possible can be saved.

Useful tips in case of water damage

• Authentic rugs: These are extremely resistant to moisture and dirt (they are washed in streams in their countries of origin before they make their way to Central Europe). The cleaning costs are low in comparison to their value, so it's usually worth getting them cleaned. Important: A soiled rug should be professionally cleaned as soon as possible!
• Pans, cutlery and crockery: It's worth cleaning these.
• Linens and clothing: Here too, it's worth giving them a wash or a clean.
• Furniture: Furniture made of laminated chipboard is usually severely affected by water and often cannot be repaired. In contrast, solid wood furniture, even if veneered, can in many cases be impeccably restored.
• Wines and spirits: Here you can assume that the content cannot flow out of the closure or lid – hence nothing can flow into the bottle either. You therefore don't need to worry about any more severe damage. It gets a bit trickier, however, if the water causes labels to detach from wine bottles. It's therefore a good idea to move your supplies to a dry place as quickly as possible and to keep the bottles safe until the damage has been assessed. Keep hold of labels that have become detached.
• Bicycles, scooters and skis: These are relatively resistant to dirt and moisture. If they end up standing in water for a long time, then a specialist dealer will be able to tell you whether a repair is required and what it will cost.
• Electrical appliances and devices: Switch these off and unplug them, since they can represent a fatal hazard! Under no circumstances should you experiment yourself. For devices that cost more than CHF 300, you should consult a specialist dealer. He or she will be able to tell you whether it is possible and worthwhile to repair appliances and devices that have become wet. The same applies for washing machines and tumble-dryers.
• Chilled goods: Short interruptions in power will probably not damage the stored goods. If you don't know how long the power was interrupted for, then you should seek an appropriate alternative (e.g. temporarily store the contents at friends' or neighbours' houses).
• Heating: Generally professional cleaning, servicing of the boiler and a function check will be sufficient.Insulated storage tanks and pipes: If the insulation has become wet then it will need to be removed so that the tank and the pipes do not corrode.
• Oil tank: Don't forget the location of your oil tank. Check whether water has penetrated here.
• Subsoil drain and sewer system: If dirty water has penetrated the system, then the pipes will need rinsing so there are no stubborn blockages.

Assessing risk

Accurately assessing a tree’s health is not easy, even for those who have owned a tree for a long time. Hence, with big trees in particular, which can represent a risk for surrounding buildings, it's important to bring in a professional to clarify its health.

With cutting-edge examination techniques, it is now possible to analyse trees for rot or any damage to roots or trunk. It's worth repeating such checks every five years at the latest. Thus, in case of a claim, the tree owner can credibly prove to the buildings insurance company or third parties that he did not neglect the health of his trees. At Helvetia, checked trees can even be insured with the Tree Insurance. The customer can select the sum insured and the level of the premium him or herself and, in case of a claim, is not only financially protected, but is also given free on-site support with the claims processing.

Preserving trees where possible

Tree examinations have already prevented many trees from being felled. This protects tree owners not only from emotional loss, but also makes a considerable contribution towards climate protection. As a natural store of carbon dioxide, Swiss trees absorb around ten per cent of domestic CO2 emissions every year!

The private liability insurance basically covers sudden and accidental damage caused by tenants occurring during your tenancy. The precise scope of cover is outlined in the Standard Terms of Insurance (STIs). The benefits provided by Helvetia include compensation for justified claims as well as defence against any unjustified claims. As your representative, Helvetia also conducts the negotiations with the aggrieved party.