Defend your home and belongings as typhoon season approaches

Last year, Hong Kong’s typhoons were so severe that, for many of us, images of damaged buildings, shattered windows and flooded homes are still painfully fresh in our memories. And this year, as the typhoon season looms once again, the Hong Kong Observatory has forecast that five to eight tropical cyclones will affect the region. With the escalating impact of global warming, the Hong Kong Observatory anticipates a rise in both the intensity and frequency of typhoons, with the season possibly extending into November. Given the unpredictability of the weather, taking precautionary steps and securing comprehensive home insurance is imperative. Taking a proactive approach can mitigate financial loss from typhoon-related damage to your property and possessions, offering you reassurance as the season of bad weather approaches.

Typically, home insurance policies safeguard against unexpected events, such as typhoons and floods, which may result in harm or loss to household possessions. The coverage encompasses furniture, appliances and valuables, such as jewellery, watches, sunglasses, spectacles, mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

During typhoons, windows often break, causing damage and flooding. Some insurers provide specific coverage for repairing or replacing window glass shattered in typhoons. When buying home insurance, be mindful of the timing. If the Hong Kong Observatory issues a typhoon warning and is set to raise the No. 8 gale or storm signal within a matter of hours, insurers may impose a cut-off time. Policies bought after this time won’t cover the imminent typhoon because it will be classed as a “known event”. Therefore, it’s wise to buy home insurance before typhoon season starts.

Certain insurers even cover the personal items of insured domestic helpers. If a helper’s possessions get lost or damaged during a typhoon, employers can seek compensation through proper channels, thus easing financial worries.

Moreover, many insurers offer 24-hour emergency helplines. During typhoons, policyholders feeling vulnerable can promptly access assistance and resolve issues through these helplines.

When making a claim, it’s crucial for policyholders not to overlook a key step: taking photos of the affected areas of their homes and the extent of the damage to their belongings, such as a waterlogged sofa, for example. Avoid throwing away or repairing damaged items soon after the event. Instead, when filing a claim, policyholders should engage appropriate professionals for repair estimates and include purchase receipts for the damaged items. By adhering to the correct procedures, the likelihood of successfully securing compensation increases significantly.

Each summer, Hong Kong grapples with one or two severe typhoons, which often cause extensive damage. Unexpected crises can arise at any moment. Acquiring home insurance provides an additional layer of protection for your residence. Yet, when selecting a home insurance product, it is vital that you examine the policy terms meticulously and compare the coverage extent, policy caps, excesses and exclusions across various plans. With the right preparation, you can minimise the impact of bad weather on your possessions – even if it is a severe typhoon.

This Chinese version of this article was published in the Hong Kong Economics Journal 

If you have any queries regarding Home Insurance plans, please feel free to contact us or find out more about our insurance plans:

View product

Read more: Home Insurance and Fire Insurance: The Duo for Comprehensive Protection

Learn more about EASY Claims and file your claims online anytime, anywhere.

EASY Claims - A simpler and faster way to claim!