How is the insurance process handled during floods and water damage? Critical warnings from the TSB for those affected

The Insurance Association of Turkey (TSB) has explained how those whose homes, workplaces, or vehicles were damaged in the flood should document the damage and manage the insurance process.

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How is the insurance process handled during floods and water damage? Critical warnings from the TSB for those affected

Following the flood in Istanbul that claimed 4 lives and left 3 people missing, the extent of the material damage has not yet been determined. The Insurance Association of Turkey (TSB) has announced the steps that should be followed in the insurance process for those whose homes, workplaces, and vehicles have been damaged.

Su baskınından etkilenen sanayi bölgesi ve çevresindeki araçlar. — Floods and water damage can cause severe damage to homes as well as workplaces and industrial facilities.

In its statement, the TSB emphasized that the first priority is life safety. It was stated that flooded buildings, basements, and indoor parking lots should not be entered without ensuring they are safe, and that electrical and natural gas installations should not be interfered with by anyone other than authorized personnel.

Yoğun su akışı içinde kalan araçların bulunduğu sokak. — The TSB emphasized that life safety is the priority in post-flood interventions.

DAMAGE NOTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION

If damage has occurred to a residence, workplace, or vehicle due to a flood, the relevant insurance company or agency must be contacted without delay. During the damage notification, the policy number, the address where the damage occurred, and the nature of the damage should be shared; the number of the damage file opened should be kept.

Su baskınından etkilenen yerleşim alanının havadan görünümü. — Making a timely damage notification helps the appraisal and compensation process proceed more smoothly.

The TSB stated that policyholders should check the notification periods and coverage conditions in their policies. It was stated that every loss is evaluated according to policy terms, and therefore it is important to examine the scope of insurance in detail.

Yağışlı havada su birikintilerinden geçen araçlar ve yayalar. — Policy scope and notification periods can be decisive in the compensation process.

Documenting the damage is also one of the most critical steps in the process. It is recommended to record flooded areas with photos and videos under safe conditions; and to list damaged furniture, white goods, electronic devices, machinery, equipment, and stock. If possible, invoices and service records, along with brand, model, and approximate value information, should also be preserved.

Gece saatlerinde su baskını yaşanan yolda araçlar. — Documenting damaged areas and items with photos is important for compensation assessment.

It is advised not to dispose of damaged items before the damage assessment is completed. For materials that must be removed, photos and similar records should be taken before the process.

Sel sularının etkilediği iş yeri ve araçların bulunduğu alan. — It is recommended not to remove items and materials before the damage assessment is completed.

COVERAGE SCOPE FOR RESIDENCES, WORKPLACES, AND VEHICLES

If there is flood and water damage coverage in home insurance, damages to elements such as walls, floors, doors, fixed installations, parquet, and kitchen cabinets in the building can be covered according to the scope of the policy. However, since building and contents coverage can be arranged separately, having only the building insured does not mean that all items in the house are under protection. Tenants can also take out insurance for their own belongings.

Su altında kalan yol ve araçların bulunduğu alt geçit çevresi. — Since building and contents coverage can be evaluated separately, the scope of the policy needs to be checked.

In workplace insurance, if there is flood coverage, damages to the building, fixed installations, commercial goods, stock, machinery, equipment, production lines, electronic devices, and fixtures can be evaluated according to policy conditions. Businesses are asked to prepare their inventory records, invoices, and documents related to damaged assets.

Su baskını nedeniyle yolları kapanan yerleşim alanı ve araç. — In workplaces, stock, machinery, and fixture damages may be covered under the policy conditions.

For businesses whose operations have stopped due to the flood, business interruption or loss of profit coverage is particularly important. According to the TSB, such income losses can only be covered if the relevant coverage is present in the policy and the conditions are met.

Sel bölgesinde iş makinesiyle tahliye edilen insanlar. — It is recommended that businesses whose operations have stopped check their business interruption and loss of profit coverage.

One of the most important warnings for vehicle owners is not to start a vehicle that has been exposed to water. Forcing the engine to restart can increase the damage. Those with motor insurance (kasko) should safely photograph the current state of the vehicle, report the damage to the insurance company, and follow the company's instructions for towing and service referrals.

Sel sularının yükseldiği yerleşim bölgesinde yollar ve yapılar. — Vehicles exposed to water should not be started, and the insurance company's guidance should be followed.

For electric vehicles, it was emphasized that the battery and electrical components should not be interfered with, the vehicle should not be started, and it should not be connected to a charger. Appropriate towing support for these vehicles should be requested by consulting the insurance company.

Su baskınından etkilenen sanayi alanı ve çevresindeki araçlar. — A warning was issued not to interfere with the battery and electrical components of electric vehicles.

After the damage notification, the insurance company opens a file and assigns an appraiser to determine the cause, scope, and amount of the damage. The compensation to be paid takes into account coverage, insurance values, limits, deductibles, other policy conditions, and the amount of damage determined as a result of the appraisal.

Sel sularının kapladığı geniş bir alanda araçlar ve yapıların havadan görünümü. — Appraiser inspection is one of the fundamental stages in determining the cause of damage and the compensation amount.

The TSB also stated that policyholders should take safe and reasonable measures to prevent the damage from increasing. If it is safe, water can be drained, and undamaged items can be moved to safe areas. However, it is recommended to consult with the insurance company if possible before comprehensive repairs, renovations, or complete removal of damaged materials.

Sel sularının dolduğu avluda hasar gören çok sayıda araç. — Keeping invoices for emergency response expenses is important in the insurance process.

Invoices for expenses incurred during cleaning, water drainage, and emergency response must be kept. It is recommended not to wait for the appraiser for urgent and mandatory interventions; however, the actions taken and expenses incurred should be documented.

Yağış sonrası İstanbul kıyı hattı ve kent merkezinin havadan görünümü. — Measures taken in risky areas before a disaster can reduce financial losses.

The Association pointed out that pre-disaster measures against flood risk are as important as insurance. It was recommended to keep valuable items and critical equipment at high levels in basements and areas with a high probability of flooding, to maintain drainage and evacuation systems, to follow meteorological warnings, and to review policies at regular intervals.

Sel sularıyla kaplanan yolda ekiplerin müdahalesi ve araçlar. — Following the warnings of authorized institutions and staying away from risky regions is of vital importance.

Checking whether there is flood and water damage coverage in the policy, ensuring that insurance values reflect current values, and applying to the 112 Emergency Call Center in case of urgent danger were also among the TSB's warnings.