What is it about?
Buildings insurance covers the building and fixed components against the risks agreed in the policy. Natural hazards may require additional cover.
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What is residential buildings insurance?
It protects the insured building and agreed permanently installed components against specified property damage. These may include the roof, walls or heating system. Movable contents require separate cover. Declare outbuildings, solar installations and other equipment explicitly and check their actual insurance protection.
What does buildings insurance pay for?
Common modules cover fire, escaping mains water, storm and hail. Insured claims reimburse agreed repair or reinstatement costs. Clean-up costs, lost rent and other consequences may also be included. Flooding, sewer back-up and other natural perils normally require an additional extension. Assess benefits and excesses together.
What does buildings insurance not pay for?
Wear, neglected maintenance and ordinary construction defects are not automatically insured. Not all moisture is mains-water damage, and not every weather event falls within cover. Report vacancy, alterations and increased risks promptly. Review exclusions, gross negligence and contractual prevention duties in the policy wording.
Is residential buildings insurance compulsory?
Germany generally has no universal legal insurance requirement for private residential buildings. Lenders may nevertheless require cover contractually. Owners’ associations make arrangements for shared property. A major building loss can require substantial personal funds regardless. Check contractual obligations and the financial exposure of your property.
Buildings insurance: the sum insured
Rebuilding costs matter, rather than purchase price or land value. Record floor area, construction, specification and alterations accurately. Many contracts use indexed replacement value or a floor-area model. An inadequate valuation can result in underinsurance. Notify the insurer of extensions and significant changes promptly.
How much does buildings insurance cost?
Location, building age, construction, floor area and claims history influence premiums. Natural perils, excesses and additional benefits also matter. Comparable quotes require the same accurate building details. A low premium should not result from an unsuitable valuation or missing key perils. We review scope and affordability together.
What should you do after building damage?
First keep people safe and arrange urgent measures, such as shutting off the water. Report the loss promptly and document it with photos and receipts. Coordinate major repairs with the insurer. Retain damaged parts where feasible and prevent further damage. Safety takes priority throughout the process.
Who is it for?
For property owners who want to review or arrange insurance for their residential building.
What we look at together
- Building details and valuation
- Insured risks and natural hazard cover
- Renovations, exclusions and excess
What helps for our first conversation?
- Existing policy
- Building and renovation details
- Desired risks and questions
Your topic is enough for a first message. We agree on a suitable way to exchange personal documents or medical details later.