According to a statement issued by the National Water Commission (Conagua), the Mexican population has been warned about the presence of heavy rains generated by storm Alberto.
During this hurricane season, it should be taken into account that due to the heavy rains caused by these meteorological phenomena, landslides, overflows and floods may occur due to the increase in the levels of rivers and streams.
What insurance protects me against any weather phenomenon?
Some insurance comes into effect after experts have measured the strength of the hurricane: if it affects the area where you are located, you will receive financial compensation based on the wind speed of the hurricane, according to the terms of your policy.
It is important to provide accurate information, as insurers use this data to tailor the policy to your individual needs.
The National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (Condusef) recommends taking out homeowner's insurance to protect your assets.
According to the same government institution, only 4.5 percent of homes in Mexico (approximately 1.3 million) have some type of insurance against damages.
For this reason, there are several insurance companies in Mexico, 26 of which are recommended by Condusef and can be found on its website.
What does a homeowner's policy cover?
- Fire, lightning and/or explosion of the dwelling.
- Earthquake or volcanic eruption, which covers damages caused by this type of natural phenomena.
- Hydrometeorological phenomena, covers direct physical loss or damage caused by mudslides, hail, frost, hurricane, snowfall, floods, sea surge and tidal waves (flooding caused by tsunamis).
- Civil Liability (obligation of a person to indemnify or repair for a material or personal damage caused to a third party).
- Robbery and/or assault, which protects you against theft of valuables and household goods from your home.
- Glass breakage, covers payment for interiors and exteriors, due to strong winds or gales.
- Jewelry, covers you against the theft of jewelry, goldsmith work, watches and furs found inside the insured property.
And for cars?
According to Condusef, in 14 of Mexico's 32 states, it is mandatory for motorists to have liability insurance for damages to third parties; however, it is important to mention that this does not cover damages that may result from natural phenomena.
For this reason, the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services provides a series of recommendations to find out if your policy has this coverage:
It is necessary to verify that the insurance has a broad coverage, which must include property damage, total theft and civil liability. In the event that the policy has limited coverage, you should consider that it only includes protection against total theft and civil liability.
In case the policy is a liability policy, the motorist may quote a limited coverage in order to be protected against floods.
In the event that the vehicle is caught in a flood, care should be taken not to move the car, as the insurer may consider the action as an aggravation of the risk and thus avoid covering the damage.
