Are you affected by the extreme weather «Hans»?

The extreme weather event «Hans» is raging and has led to heavy rain in large parts of southern Norway. The heavy rainfall has caused flooding and landslides in several parts of the country. According to the insurance companies, the first claims have already been reported, and a large number of claims for compensation for damages caused by flooding, landslides or inundation are expected.

The heavy rainfall and extreme weather can result in significant material damage to your property, and this can quickly become very costly. In Norway, if you are exposed to extreme weather, you can currently either claim compensation through private insurance or through a public scheme.

Compensation through private insurance

Private insurance for extreme weather and natural disasters is designed to protect you against damage and losses resulting from various types of natural disasters and extreme weather events. It is common in Norway today to have insurance for your home and contents. If the insurance policy includes fire damage cover, it will normally also include natural damage. This means that it is possible to apply for compensation for household contents and real estate covered by the insurance and damaged as a result of extreme weather, in the same way as
if the damage had occurred as a result of fire.

However, private insurance policies can vary in coverage and scope, and it can be challenging to understand all the terms and conditions. After damage caused by extreme weather, complicated insurance settlements can often arise, which can lead to a need for legal assistance. By using a lawyer in the insurance settlement, you can get assistance to ensure a correct settlement in your case.

The public scheme - the state's natural perils fund

It is not possible to insure certain assets against natural disasters through private insurance policies. If you have experienced natural damage to such assets, property or buildings, it is therefore possible to apply for compensation from the Norwegian Natural Damage Fund.
The Norwegian Natural Damage Fund is a Norwegian public body that provides compensation to individuals and organisations that have suffered damage as a result of natural disasters. The scheme is intended to act as a safety net.

The condition for claiming compensation is that the damage must be a direct consequence of a natural disaster, such as a flood or landslide. The scheme can provide compensation for damage to roads, bridges, agricultural and forestry assets, etc.

Need for assistance

In order to make a correct insurance settlement, it is important to get early help in the event of flood, landslide and water damage. This must first and foremost be done by submitting a claim for compensation to either the insurance company or the National Natural Damage Fund.

However, there may often be a need for legal assistance with such claims, and we at Advokatfirmaet Halvorsen & Co can assist you in settling your claim with the insurance company or the Norwegian Natural Damage Fund. Get in touch with us today and find out how your needs can be met in the best possible way.