If you yourself are a victim of damage caused by nature, it can be complicated to know how to repair, who to contact and in what order to be compensated by your insurance. Ripped-off roof, exploded bay window, flooded garage, warped parquet... the damage can be as numerous as it is varied!
Here are some tips to help you see more clearly and on the insurance reflexes to adopt.
Tree fallen on the house: the first hours are decisive
1. Safety first
The absolute priority is the safety of the occupants. If a tree has fallen on the roof or damaged a facade:
- Cut off the electricity if the installation is affected.
- Keep children and animals away.
- Do not climb on the roof yourself.
- Contact the fire department in case of immediate danger.
Never attempt to move a large tree without appropriate equipment. The risk of worsening or accident is real.
2. Have the damage assessed
Once the situation is stabilized:
- Take detailed photos (exterior, interior, close-ups).
- Film if necessary.
- Keep damaged items.
- In case of doubt and if possible, have a bailiff intervene to preserve the best evidence possible.
These elements will be essential for your insurance claim.
3. Declare the claim quickly
As a general rule, you have 5 to 7 business days to report a claim to your home insurance.
You must submit:
- A precise description of the damage
- The circumstances (date, approximate time, weather conditions)
- The photos
- An initial estimate if possible
If the event is recognized as a natural disaster, a ministerial order will be published. In this case, the declaration deadline is generally 10 days after publication.
An essential point: repair the cause before redoing the interior
This is a common mistake. Many homeowners want to immediately replace damaged parquet or repaint the walls. Yet the basic rule is simple:
Address the cause of the claim first, then the consequences.
Concrete example
A tree has perforated the roof. Rain seeps in and damages the ceiling and floor. If you redo the ceiling without repairing the roof, the insurance may refuse subsequent compensation by considering that you allowed the claim to worsen.
The correct sequence:
- Making weathertight (tarping, temporary covering)
- Structural repair (framework, roof)
- Drying out
- Interior refurbishment
In case of flooding: act quickly and methodically
Floods around Montpellier can be rapid, especially in certain low-lying areas or near waterways.
During the event
- Cut off gas and electricity.
- Move valuables to the upper floor.
- Do not drive through water.
- Remove vehicles from underground parking, particularly the lowest levels where we too often see drowned vehicles due to lack of pumping equipment or appropriate safety devices!
After the water recedes
That's when the real work begins.
- Ventilate immediately
- Remove water-logged materials (drywall, insulation, floating parquet)
- Put professional drying in place if necessary
Residual moisture is the number one enemy. It causes mold, coating separation, persistent odors.
Who pays? The main insurance principles
1. Your home insurance
It generally covers:
- Storm (wind exceeding 100 km/h)
- Water damage
- Natural disaster (if public order issued)
But watch out for deductibles and limits.
2. If the tree comes from your neighbor?
Frequent situation in the north of Montpellier with tall pines, the principle is as follows:
- If the tree fell due to a storm → your insurance covers it.
- If the tree was obviously dangerous and poorly maintained → the neighbor's liability can be engaged.
But in practice, it's often your insurance that compensates and then potentially turns against the third party.
3. Unmaintained land, municipal tree?
If the tree comes from public property (park, road), the responsibility of the local authority can be investigated.
The procedure is then more administrative and longer.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wait too long before declaring
- Throw away damaged goods without proof
- Engage in major work without the insurer's approval
- Underestimate structural damage
A poorly managed claim can be expensive in the long run.
Real estate focus: should you worry about your property's value?
Many homeowners wonder after a major weather event. A fallen tree or flooding doesn't automatically lead to a loss in value.
What matters is:
- The quality of repairs
- The traceability of work
- The absence of residual moisture
- The absence of structural weakening
A property properly restored doesn't necessarily lose value. Furthermore, the ERP assessment is designed precisely to estimate the level of risk and will allow a buyer to very quickly check past events to make an informed decision.
Anticipate rather than suffer: some simple tips
Violent weather episodes are becoming more frequent. Here are some preventive measures:
- Prune trees near the house regularly
- Check roof fasteners
- Clean gutters
- Install check valves in flood-prone areas
- Verify that your insurance contract is adequate
A simple conversation with your insurer or your town hall can sometimes reveal that your personal property capital is undervalued.
Special case: landlord owner
If you rent out your property around Montpellier, you must:
- Declare the claim
- Inform the tenant
- Organize the work
The tenant must declare to their own insurance the damage to their personal belongings. Coordination is essential to avoid blockages.
In summary
Storms and floods are now part of the climate reality of our region. Images of felled trees remind us how exposed we remain.
