A burning Advent wreath or Christmas tree can cause severe damage in a flat or even start a residential fire. The Wohnen im Eigentum consumer protection association explains the precautions condominium owners should take in advance and which insurance policies provide cover if damage occurs.
LEDs instead of candles and greater vigilance
According to the German Insurance Association, insurers receive reports of around 6,000 additional fire losses over the Christmas period. To prevent them, condominium owners should always make sure that candles are never left burning unattended. Just a few sparks are often enough to ignite dry branches.
LED lights or strings of lights should therefore be used instead of real candlelight. They consume little energy and are available in many different designs and colours. Real-wax candles with LED lights are now available too.
Smoke alarms can protect against damage
Smoke alarms in a flat cannot prevent a fire in themselves, but they can warn residents. Condominium owners should check whether the smoke alarms installed in their flat may need to be replaced, as they can be contaminated by dust or affected by corrosion. DIN standard 14676 recommends replacing them after 10 years and 6 months. In many cases, an expiry date is marked on the device, either on the casing or inside it.
Which insurance policies provide cover?
If a fire nevertheless occurs, condominium owners should report the damage as quickly as possible to their household contents insurer, if they have one, and to the management. Household contents insurance covers damage caused by fire and extinguishing water to movable goods such as furnishings. Christmas presents destroyed in a fire are also covered. Personal liability insurance applies where third-party property is damaged.
Buildings insurance, by contrast, covers fire damage to the building. This is a matter for the association as a whole, meaning that the condominium owners’ association (WEG) must take out the policy.
No cover in cases of gross negligence
It is important to know that many insurers do not provide cover in cases of gross negligence. Condominium owners must then bear the costs themselves. “This can quickly become very expensive, especially where fire damage is involved,” says Dr Sandra von Möller, a board member of Wohnen im Eigentum. “Use the Advent and Christmas period as an opportunity to review your insurance policies. Also examine the policy terms in detail to protect yourself against unpleasant surprises,” von Möller advises. “If you do not have the buildings insurance documents, ask the management to let you inspect them or send you a copy.”