Losing your own home is a devastating event that can happen unexpectedly, leaving you without stability, security, and peace of mind. One family in Switzerland, the Heftis, experienced this firsthand when their home was destroyed by an avalanche.
In Switzerland, homeowners are generally protected from such disasters through mandatory insurance policies. Building insurance provides coverage for properties against fire and natural hazards, ensuring that homeowners are financially protected in the event of a disaster. The insurance typically covers the cost of rebuilding or repairing the property, as well as certain additional living expenses. However, movable items like furniture and outdoor structures are not covered by building insurance and require separate policies for protection.
The Hefti family’s home in Schwanden became uninhabitable due to an avalanche of mud and debris, leaving them with extensive damage and uncertainty about their future. While they wait for repairs to begin, the family is grateful for the support of insurance companies and financial institutions in the region, as well as the possibility of assistance from the community’s donation fund.
While it is not uncommon for homes in Switzerland to be completely or partially destroyed by natural disasters like mudslides, floods or landslides; losing one’s own home can have significant financial impact on a person’s savings invested into it. The emotional toll of losing one’s home can also be equally challenging and no amount of compensation can fully alleviate that burden. However what sets Switzerland apart is its mandatory insurance policies that protect its citizens from such events