Storm Filomena wreaked havoc over Spain and caused the biggest snowfalls in decades in vast areas of central and eastern Spain. In some areas, more than 50cm of snow covered everything and as a result, vast damage was done. Falling snow, trees and other elements damaged countless properties and vehicles, in some cases beyond repair. But how do you claim for damages caused by Storm Filomena? Read on to find out.
What is an Extraordinary Risk?
Insurance companies generally consider extraordinary risks to be damage caused by unusual natural phenomena. They also include acts of terrorism, riots and actions by the armed forces, for example, as extraordinary.
In Spain, private insurers do not usually cover damage caused by extraordinary risks. The National Insurance Consortium (Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros) does, however, provide cover for them. This public body acts as an insurer provided that the claimant has an insurance policy for the damaged object.
Is Snow Damage an Extraordinary Risk?
In its information, the Consortium includes the following as natural phenomena causing extraordinary risks: flooding, high tides, hurricanes, earthquakes, tidal waves, volcanic eruption, fall of meteorites …
However, it is not clear whether the Consortium covers claims caused directly by snow or frost as a result of storms such as Filomena. However, it is clear that it will compensate for damages derived from the flooding due to subsequent thaw, for example, or by strong winds.
Find out about the Consortium and how to claim.
How to Claim
If the snowfalls brought on by Storm Filomena have caused material damage to your home or vehicle, you should do the following:
Check your insurance policy
Your policy may cover damage caused by heavy snowfall so your first step should be to check the small print carefully to find out what you’re entitled to. If you have comprehensive car insurance, for example, you should receive compensation for damage.
The same is true for home insurance policies. While they may not cover extraordinary risk, many cover events caused by intense natural phenomena and your policy could include snow damage to your home.
Contact your insurer
In any case, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to find out exactly what your policy covers. You should also get information on how to make a claim and the paperwork required
Inform the Consortium
Regardless of whether your insurance policy covers the damage (or while your insurance company assesses your claim), it’s a good idea to contact the Consortium. Inform them of the damage and find out how you can claim compensation.
Collect Evidence
When you make your claim, it’s important to provide evidence of exactly what happened so that you can demonstrate the origin and consequences of the damage. For example:
- Reports from weather agencies or observatories.
- Photos of the damage (and photos of the surroundings).
- Reports from the emergency services.
- Eye-witness reports (keep their contact details in case your insurance company needs to corroborate their version).
Get Professional Help
Insurance companies are notorious for draconian contracts whose small print often makes it impossible to claim. If you need to claim for damage caused by Storm Filomena snowfall, get in touch with the Costaluz Lawyers expert team.
We will decipher your insurance policy to ascertain your right to claim for snowfall damage and then make the claim. We can also claim for damage from the Consortium on your behalf.
Maria Luisa Castro
