Home insurance - what is covered after an extreme weather event

Hong Kong is most at risk of typhoons during the summer months of July to September. There have been 16 Signal No. 10 typhoons issued by the Observatory in Hong Kong, three of which, Vicente, Hato, and Mangkhut, wreaked havoc between 2010 and 2020.

From falling windows and broken glass, to power outages and flooding in low-lying areas near the shore, not to mention damaged furniture, these are just some examples of the aftermath we all still remember vividly from these three typhoons. In addition, extreme weather often leads to accidents that come with a hefty maintenance bill. And if you are the one who bears the cost, home insurance may be your solution.

When extreme weather occurs, our first reaction is to take care of ourselves and our family members and then assess the property damage. After that, we can apply for compensation through home insurance to reduce financial losses.

Most home insurance products currently on the market include allowances for temporary housing expenses. For example, if you already have home insurance but you are affected by natural disasters, such as typhoons or rainstorms and your dwelling is rendered uninhabitable due to accidental loss or damage, most insurance companies will pay the insured person the necessary and reasonable alternative accommodation expenses until your home is once again inhabitable.

Many insurance companies on the market also provide a 24/7 emergency support hotline with referral services to professionals, such as locksmiths, plumbers, electricians, air-conditioning engineers and pest control companies so that policyholders get the help they need when they desperately require it.

Moreover, current home insurance coverage is comprehensive. When extreme weather occurs, all your valuables, furniture, electrical appliances and more are protected, including  damage to windows, refrigerator outage and spoiled food and drink in your refrigerator or freezer are all covered.

More importantly, when landslides and land subsidence occur near your home, which may cause loss or damage to household items, home insurance will also help reduce financial losses caused by extreme weather and violent storms.

After investing in a suitable home insurance product and an accident occurs, you enter a pivotal stage when you file a claim for compensation. It is common to feel trepidation when settling a claim. You may be worried that if one step goes wrong, the outcome won’t be successful. But as long as the following three points are considered, the claim should be fool proof.

First, retain the purchase receipt. We recommend that you photocopy or take photos of the receipt to prevent the original copy from fading. Secondly, when a property is damaged, record its condition and take photos in order to claim compensation later. Finally, if the damaged items are electrical appliances or furniture, do not bet tempted to get them repaired or even throw them away. You should contact relevant professionals first, ask for a quotation for repairs and then notify your insurance company so that the insurance company can handle the follow-up review and any claim for compensation.

Our effort in building a home goes into every window, every door, every bowl, and every dish. It would be terrible to live in a well-appointed home only to then have it ruthlessly destroyed by an extreme weather event.

Purchasing home insurance adds an extra layer of protection for your home. Start keeping any receipts and related records after purchasing valuables so that you can reduce the obstacles in the claims process and quickly receive compensation when it is due.

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

Read more:

Home insurance: your safest bet before typhoons wreak havoc

Take out Home Insurance as precaution for typhoon season

Tips on claiming home insurance for flooding and leakage

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

View product

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

EASY Claims - A simpler and faster way to claim!