Can I get compensation for damage caused by wind?
With summer approaching, the scenes of Typhoon Hato striking Hong Kong a few years ago—many vehicles destroyed by fallen trees and the Heng Fa Chuen parking lot flooded by seawater—are still vivid in the minds of many car owners. Hong Kong is about to experience another typhoon season. For car owners who have purchased car insurance, can they claim compensation from their insurance companies for repair expenses incurred due to a typhoon?
You can also get compensation if you suffer damage from a typhoon if you purchase full coverage insurance
Currently, car insurance on the market is divided into two types: comprehensive car insurance ("full coverage") and third-party liability insurance ("triple coverage"). The coverage for losses caused by typhoons differs significantly between the two
Compensation available: Comprehensive auto insurance ("full coverage")
Most comprehensive car insurance policies cover losses caused by natural disasters. During a typhoon, regardless of whether the vehicle is parked in a covered or open-air parking lot, or even just on the roadside, compensation is available for typhoon-related damage, such as damage from falling trees, being blown over, or broken windows, with actual repair costs reimbursed. If a vehicle is totaled due to flooding, compensation is usually based on the vehicle's depreciated market value.
Non-compensable vehicle damage: Third-party liability insurance ("3-party insurance")
"Three-insurance" is a basic insurance policy that every car owner is required to purchase under Hong Kong law. It is used to protect third parties, including passengers in the same vehicle, but generally does not cover damage to the driver or the owner's own vehicle. If a car owner has only purchased "three-insurance," damage to their personal vehicle and property caused by a typhoon is not covered and therefore they cannot claim compensation from the insurance company
However, if the car owner can prove that it was due to the fault of another party, such as negligence on the part of the parking lot or management company, or failure to take precautions against the typhoon, the car owner can try to pursue civil claims against the relevant organization to recover the losses. In these cases, after reporting the incident to the police, you can request an independent and impartial agency to come to the scene to assess the situation
Please check if you have violated the terms and conditions, otherwise the warranty will not apply!
However, car owners cannot simply assume they can do whatever they want just because they have purchased comprehensive insurance. Some insurance policies on the market stipulate that car owners must "take all reasonable steps to prevent loss or damage to the insured vehicle" in order to receive compensation. If the insurance company believes that you intentionally put your car in danger, or knowingly choose to drive on dangerous roads, such as flooded or landslide-prone areas, the company may refuse to pay compensation.
As for defining "taking all reasonable steps," that depends on the situation. Here are some tips for protecting your car during a typhoon:
Unless absolutely necessary, avoid driving in inclement weather
When visibility is low, you should turn on your headlights
Avoid parking in areas prone to flooding or landslides
Make sure all windows and doors are closed
Of course, if the car owner can prove that driving in inclement weather is necessary or an emergency, such as needing to seek medical treatment at a hospital, the insurance company will handle the matter at its discretion. Therefore, drivers should still use their vehicles carefully and reasonably during typhoons
The three steps to typhoon compensation: call the police, take photos, and notify the insurance company
Driving during typhoons is risky, and the procedures for claiming compensation vary depending on the circumstances of vehicle damage. If the damage is not caused by human error, such as the vehicle being crushed by a tree or blown over by strong winds, call the police immediately and do not move the vehicle until the police arrive. Take photos immediately to clearly show the extent of the damage, including if the roof or other parts of the vehicle are crushed by a tree, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. If you intend to claim repair costs, you should first send a detailed repair estimate to your insurance company before deciding on the repair method. If the accident involves a third party, in addition to calling the police, you should try to obtain their contact information, including phone number, license plate number, and insurance policy
Choose your insurance company carefully to get the best assistance
With typhoon season approaching, different insurance companies offer a wide variety of coverage and exclusions, so car owners should carefully review their policy details before purchasing insurance. For personalized and insightful professional advice, you can use AWM's auto insurancequote serviceto easily compare car insurance prices and have industry professionals answer any questions you may have about your new or old policies. Car insurance is no longer a complicated and troublesome matter.