Sturmchaos in Berlin: Who is liable for the damage? Facts and tips!

Sturmchaos in Berlin: Who is liable for the damage? Facts and tips!

Berlin, Deutschland - On June 26, 2025, there were violent thunderstorms in Berlin and Brandenburg that caused serious damage. Trees were uprooted and the S-Bahn traffic in Berlin had to be set for hours because trees had fallen on the tracks. This meant that many travelers stranded at Berlin's main station. In Heiligensee, two people were also injured by falling trees. The police and fire brigade worked tirelessly to cope with the numerous operations for damage assessment and clean-up work, such as rbb24 reported.

The question of how to adhere to a Situation for the damage, the economic and consumption journalist Hermann Josef Tenhagen answers in an interview. He explains that storm damage can either be worn or covered by insurance. When it comes to liability, it should be noted that the neighbor has to pay for damage if a tree from his own garden, which it easily damaged, has fallen over. However, if the tree was known as dangerous and the owner did not react, the latter could also be liable.

insurance coverage for storm damage

It is crucial for the insured to have the right insurance cover. Damage to roofs, vehicles or other objects caused by storms are only insured from a certain wind force. As Consumer Center 8, which corresponds to about 62 km/h. An overturned tree that damages a car is taken over by the partial casco insurance, for example, if the vehicle owner has completed it. If only liability insurance is available, the owner remains at the costs.

It is also important that damage is reported to the respective insurance immediately. In the event of uncertainties with regard to the scope of damage or the obligation to insurance, it is advisable to contact the insurance directly in order to assert possible claims and to discuss the correct procedure.

private liability and residential building insurance

For many households, private liability and residential building insurance are indispensable. The latter covers damage to the house or roof by storm, hail, lightning strike or the like. Household insurance gymnasts should make sure that damage to movable goods within the house are covered, but usually do not damage outdoors. In particular, water-related damage is often only covered by special policies against elementary damage, such as ndr informed.

It is essential to check the insurance conditions before completion. Consumers must be clear about the damage covered and where there may be exclusions. For example, fully comprehensive insurance also covers damage caused by fallen trees, while the partial comprehensive insurance only pays in certain conditions.