Extreme weather

Severe weather warning service by SMS: Protect yourself

Benefit from our free severe weather warning service by SMS: We warn you about thunderstorms, other storms and hail. This helps you to protect your building and your household contents effectively.

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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, thunderstorms and other storms in your region. 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 text message about severe weather hazards in your region based on two warning levels. Below you'll find valuable tips on how to minimize damage.

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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. 
  • Keep the water drains clear.
  • If there is a risk of flooding, in the basement for example, you may be able to install physical barriers or place sensitive objects higher up.

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. 
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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!
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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.

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Do you have any questions?

When do I receive the warnings and how accurate are they?

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 address. 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. The severe weather warning service is provided for your registered address. We inform you by SMS about dangerous weather situations. You do not need any mobile data, nor activation of GPS localization, nor an app. You can register easily for the severe weather service using the registration form.

How is my personal information and location data used and protected?

We attach great importance to data protection and privacy. Your personal information and location data will only be used to send the warning text messages. For this purpose, Zurich transmits your telephone number and your home address to our external weather service. Based on this information, it can create a weather forecast for your registered address and 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 partner 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 partner receives your telephone number and address from us. These are used to issue severe weather warnings for your registered addresses in order to send them to you.

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.

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