It's good when everything goes well. But sometimes things go wrong in the everyday rental business. HOWOGE department head Katleen Nöske talks about two insurance policies that are therefore indispensable.
Good to know: If you make a claim on your insurance, you will not automatically be upgraded!
The range of insurance options in Germany is extensive. Which insurance is appropriate and when depends on the individual. However, everyone should take out two types of insurance: "It can always happen that you unintentionally cause harm to others. This can lead to claims for damages, which in extreme cases can threaten livelihoods," explains Katleen Nöske, who strongly advises all tenants to have private liability insurance. This protects against unjustified claims and settles legitimate claims from the person who caused the damage – of course, only if the damage was not intentional.
Home contents insurance covers your personal property – even if others caused the damage, as the five examples below show.
With liability insurance we take responsibility for ourselves and others.
Katleen Nöske | Head of Technical Customer Service
Severe storms with wind force 8 or greater are considered force majeure in insurance claims. This means: "No one is at fault and can be held liable for the damage," explains Katleen Nöske. In this case, damage to the building or property is covered by the landlord's building insurance .
If a fire damages both the building and personal property, the landlord's building insurance will cover the damage to the property, i.e., the building. However, personal property such as a couch or television would only be covered by the tenant's own contents insurance .
Suppose a tenant accidentally damages HOWOGE property; for example, by dropping a bottle into the sink and causing it to crack. HOWOGE will replace the sink, but the tenant will be charged the bill. The tenant can then claim reimbursement for the current value of the damaged item through their liability insurance .
Washing machine defective, water leaks and there is
a) damage to the building,
b) to personal property in a neighbouring apartment and
c) at your own institution
In this case,
a) the landlord’s building insurance,
b) private liability insurance and
c) your own household contents insurance.
What hopefully never happens is personal injury: If, for example, something falls from a balcony and hits a third party, in the worst case scenario, the damage will result in high monthly compensation claims – for life. "This can be life-threatening for the person responsible," warns Katleen Nöske. "With liability insurance, we not only protect ourselves, but also assume responsibility for others."