Household Insurance (Hausratversicherung) - Insurance Guidelines & Claim Handling

When you take out your household contents insurance, you concluded a contract with the insurer. Just as you expect the agreed benefits in case of damage, the insurer relies on you to fulfill your obligations. Otherwise, your insurance cover could be jeopardized.

As a rule: notify us of any changes, even if temporary.

Keep your insurance details updated

Notify us immediately if you move or in case your personal situation or bank account has changed.
Notify us immediately of any high-value purchases (of art, collectors’ items, jewellery, high-quality music instruments, bikes or items that are more expensive than the average household goods) so your plan can be adjusted if necessary.

Create an inventory

Establish a simple way to document your belongings to support future claims (e.g. invoices, manuals, photos/videos).
Store documentation digitally, ideally in a cloud.

For collections, jewellery, watches and other high-quality household goods, keep invoices or appraisals.
For jewellery, take photos of the item and also while wearing it.
Create a list of special features (e.g., first pressing/country of origin for records, minting errors for coins).
For high-quality household goods, take close-ups in the room.
For special items, create a list of special features (e.g., first pressing / country of origin for records, minting errors for coins).
For bikes: keep the invoice, frame number, and invoices for accessories.

In everyday life

Always keep doors and windows closed and locked when you are not at home. Do not leave windows tilted.
Do not leave washing machines, dishwashers, stoves or open flames running unattended.
Air and heat all rooms sufficiently in cold season to avoid mold.
Maintain your apartment properly. Check water connections and sealing joints for leaks and repair or inform your landlord.
Report to us immediately any potentially risk-increasing situations (e.g. vacancy over 60 days, scaffolding on the building).

Bicycles:

Bikes must always be locked when parked.
Secure the bike to a fixed object.
At night, keep the bike indoors when possible.
Use a solid, high-quality lock (approx. 5–10% of bike value).

In the event of a claim
Mitigation: Take appropriate measures to reduce the amount of damage and rule out consequential damage.

Documentation:

Don’t panic. Document the damage thoroughly with photos (overall view + details) so that the insurance carrier can understand what has happened, including proof of break-in, source of damage, damaged goods
Note exact date and time.
Bear in mind: Videos are only an additional proof!

Criminal offense:
For theft, burglary, break-in, or robbery: report to the police immediately and obtain the file number.In events like theft, burglary, or robbery, report them to the police immediately and ask for the file number under which the case is processed.

List of damages and losses:
Create an inventory that lists all damaged, lost, or destroyed items.Create a list of all damaged, lost, or destroyed items.
Important: Do not throw anything away until the insurer approves it.

Repairs:

Estimate the amount of damage (non-binding) or submit a cost estimate for the repair.
Do not order repairs or buy replacements without first obtaining approval from the insurer.
If repairs must be done immediately for safety, please check with us or the insurer first.

Get in touch
Please inform us or the insurer immediately of the occurrence of the damage as soon as you become aware of it.
You can reach our claims team via damages@versicherungsbuero-weiss.com.

Household Insurance
Insurance Guidelines & Claim Handling

Versicherungsbüro Weiss

Household Insurance Insurance Guidelines & Claim Handling

Versicherungsbüro Weiss

Household Insurance
Insurance Guidelines & Claim Handling