TCS guide: Who will pay in case of fire in underground car park?

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There are all kinds of items in the common underground parking lot on our site, and it is often not clear which tenant they belong to. Who will pay if there is a fire in the underground car park?
R. Käser, Burgdorf BE

Building insurance, which is in principle compulsory in most cantons, usually pays in the event of a fire in an underground car park. However, if the fire originates from a parked vehicle, the vehicle’s liability insurance may also cover the damage. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) decided on this situation with a decision in 2019.

It doesn’t matter whether it is a combustion engine car or an electric car. Insurance companies will probably decide who pays how much. However, if the vehicle is insured, partial or full insurance will be collected.

There needs to be some order

But be careful: insurance companies may be exempt from liability if fire safety regulations in the parking garage are not followed. The building insurance company will check this upon request and provide a confirmation to the building owners.

The following requirements must be met: For example, a maximum of one set of tyres, vehicle equipment such as a roof rack or roof box, and bulky items such as skis, ladders or surfboards can be stored. However, you need a special cabin for the maintenance and usage materials of the vehicle. Therefore, TCS recommends that public underground parking be cleared as quickly as possible.

For example, if the garage of a detached house is converted into a workshop or hobby room, fire protection needs to be adapted to the new use. Potentially dangerous activities such as filling up with gas in the garage are also completely prohibited.

Electric cars are not particularly dangerous

And finally, to debunk a frequently heard claim: Electric cars and their chargers do not increase the risk of fire. This is the conclusion of the Swiss Federal Materials Testing Institute Empa, as well as of various studies in the insurance sector. However, charging requires the Wallbox to be installed by an expert (here you can find out how best to proceed).

Source: Blick