Extreme weather

Severe weather warning service by SMS: Be prepared

You benefit from our free severe weather warning service by SMS: We warn you of thunderstorms, storms and hail. This helps you to protect yourself and your property effectively.

Report a claim onlineUnsubscribe from alert service

SMS warning service: how it works

With our SMS warning service, you are prepared when severe weather threatens. We explain how the service works.

In this situation, you'll receive a warning

We inform you about dangerous weather events, such as hail or thunderstorms, for the zip code registered with us. You don't need Wi-Fi or an app.

At such times we'll inform you

In the case of major events, we generally warn you at least 12 hours before the expected event, and 15-45 minutes beforehand in the case of sudden storms – where there's a real risk.

How the SMS severe weather warning works

Based on current weather data, we inform you by SMS about severe weather hazards for the zip code registered with us, based on two warning levels. Below, you'll find tips on how to minimize damage.

Received a severe weather warning? What you can do now

How you can protect yourself and minimize storm damage to your building and household contents.

12-24 hours before the storm

  • Pull up the sun blinds and close your windows during thunderstorms and other storms. 
  • Secure potted plants, parasols and movable objects outdoors or put them away. 
  • Alert people at risk and help with any evacuation.
  • Switch off the elevator and do not use it under any circumstances.

15-45 minutes before the storm

  • Alert people at risk and assist them until they can be evacuated. 
  • Switch off electrical appliances immediately and remove the fuses.
  • Switch off the elevator and do not use it under any circumstances.
  • Avoid basements or underground garages if there is a risk of flooding. 

My household contents or building have been damaged - what should I do?

 

Record any damage and clean up

Start clearing up and move everything that is not yet damaged to a safe place. Photograph your damage if possible.

Document the damage

Make a list of the damaged items and have any receipts ready.

Record workload and labor costs

Keep a record of the time you spend on cleaning up, if you have to drive to the disposal site, for example.

Report a claim

Report your claim to us. Below you will find further information on reporting a claim.

Report damage to household contents or buildings

Get in touch with us – we're here for you!
Couch

Report your claim to us

The best way to report damage to your household contents or movables caused by severe weather events is to use the following online form or give us a call.

Report a claim online

How to get help with building damage

Report damage caused by natural hazards to your building if it is located in one of the following cantons: AI, GE, OW, SZ, TI, UR, VS or Liechtenstein and you are insured with us. In the event of damage to buildings in other cantons, please contact the cantonal buildings insurance company.

Report a claim online

Do you have any questions?

When do I receive a warning and how accurate is it?

You will only receive a severe weather warning if it could actually become dangerous or if there is a risk of damage to your building or household contents. We will inform you by SMS in good time with up-to-date and targeted information for your registered zip code. We warn you 12-24 hours in advance of major events and 15-45 minutes in advance of sudden thunderstorms, hail or heavy rain.

Is the severe weather warning service based on my actual location?

No, we do not track your location. Rather, the severe weather warning service is provided for the zip code you have registered with us. We inform you by SMS about dangerous weather situations. You do not need any mobile data and there is no activation of GPS localization and no app.

How is my personal information used and protected?

We attach great importance to data privacy and protection. Your personal information is used solely for the purpose of sending the warning SMS. To this end, Zurich transmits your telephone number and your zip code to our weather service provider. Based on this information, it can send you targeted warnings.

How does the service provider use my data?

The severe weather warnings are issued via the severe weather center of our weather service provider UBIMET GmbH. The UBIMET Group is a provider of meteorological forecasting systems. Meteorologists monitor the weather around the clock and issue severe weather warnings. The weather service provider will receive your telephone number and zip code from us and it uses these to create and send you severe weather warnings for your registered zip code.

What did the warning levels in the SMS mean?

Severe weather warnings are issued according to the current damage and hazard potential. Our warning system is based on two levels: Red and violet. Severe weather events from level red are already dangerous weather situations with considerable hazard potential. And if the violet level is reached, there is significant risk, and even more damage can occur. In both cases, increased attention is required, and you should protect yourself, your building and household contents.

Terms of use of the severe weather warning service

The "Severe Weather Warning Service" is provided in accordance with the following provisions ("Terms of Use").  Zurich Insurance Company Ltd ("Zurich") offers the "Severe Weather Warning Service" to the respective user free of charge and until further notice.

The service includes the sending of certain meteorological information on expected weather developments ("forecasts") relating to the zip code registered in Zurich's systems. This information is sent via text message (SMS) to the registered mobile phone number ("severe weather warnings"). The terms used in the severe weather warnings do not have the meaning of any insurance contract provisions with the same wording. The "Severe

Weather Warning Service" is reserved for users residing in Switzerland and is for their private use. Commercial use or forwarding of the severe weather warnings to third parties is not permitted. Zurich provides the "Severe Weather Warning Service" with the customary diligence and endeavors to achieve the greatest possible accuracy. It cannot however be inferred from the respective forecast that the predicted weather condition will actually occur. Nor can Zurich guarantee that the information is available and up-to-date at all times or rule out malfunctions.

Use of the "Severe Weather Warning Service" and all precautions that users take or do not take based on it are at their own risk. Zurich excludes liability for damage of any kind in connection with the "Severe Weather Warning Service" to the extent permitted by law. Swiss law is applicable and the place of jurisdiction is Zürich. Zurich may change these Terms of Use at any time.

Zurich shall announce any changes in advance in an appropriate manner (e.g. by email).

What damage is covered by building and household contents insurance?

Depending on the insurance cover selected, Zurich will cover, among other things, costs in connection with:

  • Damage cause by natural hazards, e.g. due to flooding, hail and storms
  • Damage caused by rain, snow and melt water that penetrates the building from the outside, as well as damage inside the building due to backwater from the sewer system
  • Loss of rent, living expenses, clearance and disposal up to 10% of the building insurance sum