Hamburg plans to complain of insurance against insurance to Sturmflut drama!

Hamburg plans to complain of insurance against insurance to Sturmflut drama!

In an encouraging development for the citizens in Northern Germany affected by the storm surge of 20 and 21 October, the Federation of Insurance e.V. (BDV) from Hamburg plans to take possible legal steps. The association is currently examining the option of a class action lawsuit to help the injured party and to draw attention to the problem of inadequate insurance coverage in the event of natural disasters.

"As a association for consumer protection, we would like to help those affected and indicate the problem of lack of insurance protection in the event of natural hazards," said Stephen Rehmke, the board and spokesman for the BDV. "We know from over 30 affected people who have so -called elementary insurance for floods, in which the insurers argue that a 'storm surge' is in turn except," he explained.

Current status of the class action

Rehmke emphasized that at the moment it is not yet clear whether and to what extent the lawsuit can be submitted. The instrument of the collective action via a consumer protection association is relatively new in Germany. The BDV is currently striving for express recognition as an association that can legally use this type of lawsuit.

"As soon as we have received approval and collected further cases, we want to get started immediately," added Rehmke. So far there have been a large number of cases that affect both damages in Flensburg and in the surrounding regions such as Eckernförde, Schleswig and Damp.

• model declaratory action and remedy are the current legal instruments for collective action in Germany.
• For both types of complaints, at least 50 consumers must be affected.

This initiative could have a significant impact on dealing with insurance coverage in the event of nature events. The BDV hopes to obtain important legal clarifications through this lawsuit and to better secure similar cases in the future. More details on this topic are in an article on www.fla.de to read.