Home insurance: 6 home safety tips for typhoon
Home | October 10, 2023
The typhoon season in Hong Kong runs from April to October, peaking in July and September. Being prepared for typhoon season in advance can go a long way to ensure safety around your home during a severe tropical storm. When typhoon signal no.8 (or above) is hoisted, what preventive measures should you take to avoid water leaks, window damage, power outages, or even accidentally injuring someone? Does home insurance provide such coverage when things go south? Read on to find out more!
1. Prevent your windows from leaking
One of the easiest ways to prevent leaking windows during typhoon season is to simply apply silicone sealant to re-seal the gaps where rainwater may seep through, such as the edges of your windows and around the AC units. However, if the water leakage persists, it’s better to consult with a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair.
2. Tape a big ‘X’ on your windows
Taping a big ‘X’ on your windows with duct-tape is another great way to secure the glass structure during typhoon. Even though it may not stop the window from actually breaking, it can help prevent the glass from shattering into sharp, dangerous fragments that may potentially injure someone on the street.
3. Clear out your balcony and ensure proper drainage
Remember to empty your balcony and bring in all the flowerpots, furniture, and any other outdoor items that may catch the wind before the storm arrives. If the objects are too big to move, fasten them with ropes to prevent them from falling. In addition, you should also check if the gutters and rain pipes on your balcony are clean and free from leaves and dirt to ensure proper drainage.
4. Unplug your appliances and close your interior doors
Unplugging your electric outlets and appliances and moving them away from the windows can also help to reduce the risk of water damage or even electrocution. You should also make sure to close all the interior doors and windows to disperse the pressure throughout your home.
5. Stock up necessities in case of power outage
When the electricity goes out, remember to check with your neighbors or building management to see if it’s a power outage or just your circuit breaker tripped. For emergency lighting, always use flashlights instead of candles to avoid home fires. Additionally, you should also stock up on non-perishable goods that can last at least 2-3 days, such as canned food, cookies and other dried food that don’t require cooking.
6. Opt for home insurance plan
From broken windows, water leaks, to power outages, costly unexpected damage can occur especially during typhoon season. That’s why choosing the right home insurance plan is the key to keeping your home and family safe and protected.
Does home insurance cover property damage during a typhoon?
Typhoon in Hong Kong can cause severe damage to your precious home. Luckily, if there is property damage inside the home because of the storm (eg. your furniture or home appliance is damaged by rainwater), home insurance can cover these types of accidental loss of or damage to your household contents and compensate you for these eventualities.
On the other hand, if your walls, floors, or ceilings are damaged by the typhoon, home insurance can also help you cover the expenses of replacing or repairing these damaged home structures. Some insurance companies will even go the extra mile by providing home emergency assistance service if you need instant help.
For example, our “Breezy Home” insurance plan offers 24-hour cashless emergency assistance services on electrical, plumbing and locksmith to help you navigate through emergency situations. And if your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable due to typhoon damage, we will also cover the cost of temporary accommodation to help you minimize unexpected expenses.
Last but not least, home insurance includes third-party legal liability coverage. For example, in the unfortunate event that a window frame or glass shard falls and accidentally causes injury to someone on the street, home insurance can provide coverage for such legal liabilities and claims compensation.
Breezy Home Insurance Plan
We understand that every family has unique insurance needs, that’s why we offer two plans designed for tenants and householders — specifically tailored to fit the needs of different families. With our flexible options, you can choose the policy limit and coverage that best fit your specific requirements. We also offer carbon compensation for the electricity usage in your home to support your eco-friendly lifestyle.
- Up to HKD1,250,000 home content protection, and HKD10,000,000 legal liability coverage limit;
- Upgradable coverage for electronic devices (such as phones and laptops), and outdoor home contents including tables, chairs, washing machines and fridges;
- 24-Hour Emergency Home Assistance Service to support you in various situations, including electrical, plumbing and locksmith;
- Dedicated landlord home insurance plan that covers rental loss, with up to HKD 20,000 per month, up to six months.
Frequently asked questions
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If windows are broken during a typhoon, is it covered by home insurance or fire insurance?It depends. In general, a home insurance policy typically covers interior damage. If a window is damaged during a typhoon and it is not an original fixture but part of the refurbishment when you moved into the property, it is likely to be covered by your home insurance. However, if the window is unfurbished and considered part of the original structure, it would typically be covered by fire insurance.
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What are the things to keep in mind when making a claim?
When making a claim, there are several important factors to consider. First, it's important to be aware of the coverage limit provided by your insurance policy. If the amount of loss exceeds the coverage limit, you will need to pay the remaining costs out of pocket.
Secondly, you will also need to be mindful of any common exclusions specified in your policy. These exclusions outline certain situations or types of damage that may not be covered by your insurance. For instance, forgetting to bring your belongings (eg. appliances) indoors during a typhoon may not be covered.
Lastly, some home insurance policies will have additional deductibles for certain types of accidents, such as floods, landslides and subsidence.
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If I forgot to close the windows during a typhoon, will I be covered for the loss?Insurance policies often contain common exclusions, and damages caused by personal negligence may fall under such exclusions. For instance, if the damage to your property, such as rain damage, is a direct result of forgetting to close the windows during a typhoon, insurance companies may deny your property claim.