Real estate, household contents, car: These insurance policies pay for damage caused by forest fires

Property at risk

This insurance pays for damage caused by forest fires

Evacuation in Hürtgenwald: If property is left behind while fleeing a forest fire, those affected are rightly concerned. If something is actually damaged, insurance usually comes into play.

The forest fire raging in North Rhine-Westphalia has already forced numerous people to leave their belongings behind and to get to safety. The Gey district of the Hürtgenwald municipality was completely evacuated.

But what if the flames actually spread to the property that was left behind? Which insurance applies then? The Association of Insured Persons explains:

• Property: If their own house is damaged by the flames, owners can rely on their homeowners insurance. It either pays for the repair of the building or the new construction at replacement value. Cost and price increases are also insured here.
• Household items: Household contents insurance is required for damage caused by fire or extinguishing water to all items that are not permanently attached to the house – such as furniture, clothing and technical equipment. It also compensates the damaged items at new value. Ideally, insured people should be able to prove what they have owned with invoices or photos.

If the car catches fire, you will need comprehensive insurance to compensate for the damage. Motor vehicle liability insurance is not enough for this.