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