A Super Typhoon Requires Comprehensive Insurance.

Hong Kong is geographically positioned in a location which sees a great deal of weather. Sitting at the mouth of the pearl river delta in the South China Sea, the city has witnessed the wrath of nature plenty of times in recent years.

The latest threat to Hong Kong’s safety and infrastructure being Super Typhoon Saola.

Super Typhoon Saola is one of many typhoons to hit Hong Kong each year. However, in the specific case of this storm The Hong Kong Observatory, a trusted source for weather forecasting, has highlighted the unpredictable movement of Saola as being particularly dangerous. Saola has been interacting with Tropical Cyclone Haikui, which could cause both storms to move erratically and increase in intensity.

At the time of writing, Super Typhoon Saola was roughly 800km away from Hong Kong moving at an estimated 18 km/h across the Luzon Strait.

The aftermath of a typhoon isn't just about the immediate physical damage caused by the storm. The long-term financial implications can be staggering for homeowners who may be literally picking up the pieces of their lives in a worst-case scenario. While the physical structure of a home can be insured against fire and other disasters, the unpredictable nature of typhoons makes them a unique risk; from flying debris, to flash floods, there is a lot that can, and will, go wrong during the worst storms in the world.

This is where specialized typhoon insurance comes into play.

The Typhoon Protection of Home Contents and Fire Insurance

In a city like Hong Kong, where typhoons are a recurring phenomenon, understanding the specific risks associated with these natural disasters is crucial. Typhoons, with their fierce winds and torrential rains, can cause extensive damage to both the structure of homes and the valuable contents within.

There are many insurance options available to you which can help assist in the recovery of your household should you experience a typhoon claim. Some of the biggest risks, like property damage, may not be applicable unless you own your home or apartment – but even if your residence becomes unlivable due to damage from a Super Typhoon like Saola, there are many home insurance options in Hong Kong designed to provide relief to you and your loved ones.

Structural Damage from Typhoons

The sheer force of a typhoon can wreak havoc on buildings, especially older structures that might not be built to current safety standards. Roofs can be torn off, windows shattered, air conditioners may get sucked out an apartment, and in extreme cases, entire sections of a building might collapse.

Hong Kong Fire Insurance offering Allied Perils protection is able to provide compensation against the rebuilding costs for the physical structure of a policyholder’s home.

Example Claim: After Super Typhoon Saola's passage, apartment owner Mr. Wong, living in an older building in Kowloon, discovered that a large section of his roof had been torn off, allowing rainwater to flood his top-floor apartment. Thanks to his comprehensive Fire Insurance, Mr. Wong was able to claim the costs associated with repairing the structural damage of his property.

Typhoon Water Damage and Flooding

Outside of wind concerns, one of the most common causes of damage associated with typhoons is flooding. Whether due to storm surges, overflowing rivers, or simply the sheer volume of rainfall, water can quickly inundate homes, causing extensive losses. A Hong Kong Fire and Allied Perils insurance policy is normally able to cover claims where the proximate cause of the loss is flooding.

Example Claim: Ms. Lam, residing in a ground-floor apartment in Sai Kung, found her entire home submerged in water storm surge saw the sea level quickly rise over a nearby retaining wall. With her Fire and Allied Perils Insurance, Ms. Lam was able to claim compensation for the damage and undertake necessary repairs.

Electrical and Fire Hazards

The combination of water intrusion and electrical appliances can pose a significant fire risk during and after a typhoon. Short circuits can lead to fires, which can be especially dangerous if residents are trapped due to flooding or blocked exits. Fire is covered as standard under a Hong Kong fire insurance policy, but depending on the actual cause of the fire (wind, water, subsidence) may not be fully protected.

Example Claim: Mr. and Mrs. Cheung's Tuen Mun residence experienced a short circuit during a typhoon, leading to a minor fire. While the fire was quickly contained, it caused smoke damage to their walls. Their Fire Insurance policy covered the costs of repairs and cleaning.

Protecting Valuables and Personal Belongings during a Storm

Beyond the structural aspects, typhoons can also pose a risk to valuable items within the home. Art pieces, jewelry, electronics, and other personal belongings can be damaged or destroyed. Home Contents insurance, also known as Renters Insurance in other parts of the world, is a key component to protecting your valuable possessions should the fullest impact of a storm be realized.

Example Claim: Ms. Kumar, an art collector, had several valuable paintings in her Sheung Wan apartment. The strong winds from a recent typhoon broke her windows, allowing rain to drench several of these artworks. Her Home Contents Insurance ensured she received compensation for the damaged art pieces.

While the fury of nature, especially typhoons, is beyond human control, being prepared and having comprehensive insurance coverage ensures that the aftermath is more manageable. It provides homeowners and renters with the peace of mind that they can rebuild and recover without bearing the entire financial burden.

The Real-life Threat: Super Typhoon Saola

The looming threat of Super Typhoon Saola serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared. Named after a rare species discovered in Vietnam, Saola was centred about 670km southeast of Kaohsiung and was predicted to move northwest towards Taiwan and Hong Kong. Such super typhoons bring with them not just high-speed winds but also the potential for significant property damage and loss.

Choosing the right insurance is not just about safeguarding one's home and possessions; it's about ensuring peace of mind in the face of unpredictable natural disasters. With comprehensive options like those offered by CCW Global, homeowners in Hong Kong can rest assured that they are well-protected against the financial implications of events like typhoons.

In these uncertain times, it's imperative to stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay safe. Investing in comprehensive insurance solutions is not just a financial decision; it's a commitment to safeguarding one's home and loved ones.