Natural Hazards Insurance
Protection against extreme weather
Natural disasters, such as flooding, are also becoming more frequent in Germany. Natural hazards insurance provides financial protection against such events. It is not a standalone product, but an optional add-on to home contents insurance, all-in-one home protection, or building insurance.
Benefits of this insurance
We cover damage caused by extreme natural events.
This module protects both your building and your household contents.
The insurance covers repair or replacement costs after a claim.
Coverage comparison
| Flood frequency | |
|---|---|
| Risk zone 1 | Less often than every 200 years |
| Risk zone 2 | Every 50–200 years |
| Risk zone 3 | Every 10–50 years |
| Risk zone 4 | At least every 10 years |
ZÜRS zoning system for flooding, backwater and heavy rain. Your property's zone directly affects the premium for the natural hazards module.
Additional modules and benefits
As a module of building insurance
Protects the building itself against flooding, earthquake, subsidence and other natural hazards.
As a module of home contents insurance
Protects furniture, appliances and other belongings against the same natural hazards.
As a module of All-in-One Protection
Extends the combined building and contents package with full natural hazards coverage.
For businesses
Also available as a module of commercial building insurance or business contents insurance.
What is covered
Flooding
Damage caused by overflowing surface or groundwater.
Landslide, earthquake and subsidence
Ground movements that damage your property.
Snow pressure and avalanches
Especially relevant in higher-altitude regions.
Volcanic eruption and backwater
Damage from sewage backflow during heavy rainfall.
What is not covered
Storm surges
Damage from storm surges is excluded.
Human-caused landslides
For example, landslides caused by construction work.
Real claim examples
Flooded basement
After several days of heavy rain, water seeps through the basement walls and floods the boiler room and several storage rooms, damaging equipment and stored belongings.
Sewage backflow
During a severe storm, the sewer system becomes overloaded and wastewater backs up through the pipes into the house, damaging floors and walls on the ground floor.
Hillside landslide
After a period of persistent rain, part of the slope on which the house stands gives way, causing structural cracks in the foundation and a load-bearing wall.
Frequently asked questions
Is this insurance mandatory?
There is no legal requirement, though a potential reform is currently being discussed between the federal government and the states.
Who is it recommended for?
For owners (via building insurance), tenants (via contents insurance), and businesses (via commercial building or contents insurance).
What is covered and what is not?
Covered: flooding, landslide, earthquake, subsidence, snow pressure, avalanches, volcanic eruption and backwater. Not covered: storm surges or human-caused landslides.
Who should take it out, the owner or the tenant?
Under building insurance, the owner takes it out and pays (may pass costs to tenants); under contents insurance, the tenant takes it out and pays.
Want to add protection against natural hazards?
Tell us whether you want to protect your building or your belongings, and we will advise you on the right module.
Request free advice