Storm damage?

Dear Customer

You do not have to wait for a claims inspector to contact you before starting to repair any damage. You can start taking care of it right now.

Immediate steps for household contents and buildings that are affected by storm damage

• Pump out and draw off the water as far as possible;
• Start clean-up operations;
• Remove and dispose of soaked carpets and badly damaged furniture;
• Start drying out wet items and the inside of buildings;
• Draw up a list of damaged items and photograph them;
• Keep any receipts to hand;
• Note the number of hours you worked to repair the damage so you can be compensated.

Immediate steps for motor vehicles that are affected by storm damage

Important: Never drive a vehicle into a flooded area. You may damage the engine (hydrolock). Your insurance will not cover this.

Water reaches no higher than the undercarriage (approx. 15 cm)

• Retrieve the vehicle from dangerous areas. Do not start the engine if water is too high (you risk damaging the engine);
• Check the inside of your vehicle for condensation or dampness;
• If necessary, clean and dry it out immediately;
• You can assume that there is no damage.

Important: Water/condensation could compromise your braking power. Drive slowly and ride the brakes for a short distance to dry them out. In order to avoid condensation, only drive once the engine has warmed up.

Standing water in vehicle

• Retrieve the vehicle from the dangerous area if possible. Do not start the engine (you could damage it);
• Bail out the water, take out the floor mats, seats, cushions, etc. and dry out the interior;
• Contact a garage immediately so that the engine, transmission and axles can be checked for damage and repairs can be made right away.

Total loss, vehicle submerged

• Retrieve vehicle if possible;
• Bail out water;
• Produce the bill of sale, receipts for accessories and investments.

If you have any questions about storm damage, call us at 0800 80 80 80 or e-mail us at grossschaden@zurich.ch.