Cars swept away by the floods (video above), mudslides, cellars and garages under water: After the storms in St. Anton, the state of Tyrol quickly promised aid from the disaster fund. But who can expect this and who can’t? The “Krone” asked and clarified. An insurance expert also explains what you should pay attention to when drawing up contracts.
There is still a lot to be cleaned up in St. Anton am Arlberg after the heavy storms of the weekend. The Austrian Federal Army has also been carrying out relief missions in the region since Wednesday morning. 50 soldiers from Staff Battalion 6 from Innsbruck and Absam arrived. The aim is to support and relieve the numerous volunteers and helpers.
“This assistance mission by our soldiers shows once again that the Austrian people can always rely on the Federal Army,” emphasized Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP).
Arlberg community in state of emergency
Mudslides and real flash floods had the community of Arlberg in a state of emergency on Friday night, as the video above shows once again. The clean-up and repair work will take days to weeks.
The extent of the damage is enormous and cannot yet be quantified. As reported, Tyrolean Governor Anton Mattle and LR Astrid Mair (both ÖVP) had assured the population of aid from the disaster fund. But how do the affected people get the money and is every individual supported?
The “Tiroler Krone” investigated the facts.
Reasonably insurable damage is not taken into account
The press office in the country house states that “damage that can reasonably be insured or for which public financing is provided in addition to insurance premiums cannot be taken into account”. Furthermore, there must be a calamity. “This means that repairing the damage without financial assistance would be impossible or would only be possible in the event of serious disruption of the continued existence.”
Another reason why an application may be rejected is that you do not belong to the eligible applicants. According to the state, this includes, for example, large companies or foundations. In principle, only natural or legal persons, but not local governments, can be supported.
Six month deadline, proof is required
Important for those entitled to support: “A claim must be submitted to the Tyrolean State Government Office within six months of the occurrence of the damage. Photo documentation and damage reports must also be enclosed.”
According to the state, there is no maximum amount for those affected. “The amount depends on the specific damage event. The assistance depends on the costs incurred to restore the original state.” In most cases, 50 percent is reimbursed. “In cases of special hardship, up to 80 percent can be taken over.”
“Applications will be processed as quickly as possible”
Those affected must submit the application via a form on the state website. It is not possible to say in general terms how long it will take for the money to appear in the account. “The responsible funding agency strives to process all applications as quickly as possible,” it says. When asked how much money is in the country’s disaster fund per year, it is stated that “the exact amount depends on what the expected payment amount will be in a year. Fund increases are possible during the year.”
So far this year, “a low amount of millions of millions has been paid out.”
Am I sufficiently protected against storm damage by my insurance? This is a question that many Tyroleans are currently asking themselves. Manfred Gutwenger, Head of Key Account at Tiroler Versicherung, explains.
He explains that “in a classic home contents or building insurance contract, certain storm damage is already covered without any special additional agreements. This includes damage caused by storms (wind speeds of 60 km/h or more), hail, snow pressure (as a result of accumulated snow or ice masses), falling rocks, falling rocks and landslides. The entire contents of the policyholder’s home are insured, but also of his or her resident family members. With a building insurance, the building itself is insured.”
“Premium for other risks mandatory”
To insure against further natural hazards, an additional premium is required. “This is the classic cover for natural disasters,” Gutwenger emphasises, “which includes damage caused by floods, exceptional weather precipitation, canal blockages or water overflows. Damage caused by landslides, i.e. mass movements of earth and mud due to the action of water, can also be insured. Avalanche damage, including air pressure caused by avalanches, can also be insured.”
The expert recommends a total package against storm damage; “it should definitely include storm insurance.”
Depending on their needs, he also recommends the “Help Alpin” insurance to Tiroler Versicherung customers against floods, floods, mudslides, avalanches and channel failures.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
