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Does insurance pay if the roof collapses under the weight of snow in Germany?

In short

In Germany, buildings insurance does pay if the roof collapses under the weight of snow, but only with the natural hazards add-on (Elementar). Snow pressure is not part of basic cover for fire, water pipes, storm and hail. The add-on cost around EUR 92 a year in the lowest risk zone in one analysis. Ten centimetres of wet, icy snow can weigh over 100 kilograms per square metre.

Does insurance pay if the roof collapses under the weight of snow in Germany?

What it costs

Published average extra premiums for the natural hazards add-on from a tariff analysis of January 2024, plus insurers' figures on snow weight.

ExampleTypical range
Buildings insurance without natural hazards, average of analysed tariffsjust over EUR 241 a year
Extra premium for buildings, lowest risk zoneabout EUR 92 a year
Extra premium for buildings, second risk zonejust under EUR 200 a year
Extra premium in contents insurance, lowest and second zoneabout EUR 18 to 27 a year
Weight of 10 centimetres of wet, icy snowover 100 kilograms per square metre in extreme cases

As of November 2026.

The premiums are averages from a tariff analysis published in January 2024;

current premiums may be higher,

and in zones 3 and 4 the add-on costs much more.

The figures in the worked example are a guide value from our quoting practice.

Your premium depends on address, house and scope; we obtain the exact quote.

Worked example

Detached house in the low mountains, flat roof over the extension gives way

After a week of snowfall and a thaw followed by frost, the flat roof of the extension collapses. Snow and meltwater also damage the room below.

Demolition, clean-up and new roof for the extensionabout EUR 28,000
Walls, floor and wiring in the room belowabout EUR 9,000
Furniture and appliances in the roomabout EUR 6,000, contents with natural hazards
With the add-on in the buildings policyabout EUR 37,000 minus deductible
Without the add-onEUR 0

Without the add-on, around EUR 43,000 stays with you. With it in both buildings and contents policies, you only bear the agreed deductibles. Calculation with guide values.

Why basic cover is not enough

German buildings insurance pays for the perils named in the contract. The model terms of the German insurers' association (VGB 2022) list fire and lightning, water from pipes, and storm and hail in section A 1. Snow pressure sits in a separate group called further natural hazards, together with flooding, backflow, earthquake, subsidence, landslide, avalanches and volcanic eruption. This group only applies if you have agreed it.

The consumer advice centre puts it plainly: buildings insurance alone does not pay when heavy snow brings down roofs, conservatories or garages. Stiftung Warentest also names natural hazards cover for a roof that gives way under snow.

What counts as snow pressure

Section A 5.4.6 of the model terms defines snow pressure as the effect of the weight of masses of snow or ice. Snow or ice sliding off roofs is expressly included. So it covers not only a collapse, but also a roof avalanche that smashes your porch roof, gutter or conservatory.

Avalanches on mountain slopes are described separately. Both belong to the same add-on.

DamageWhich insuranceNote
Roof caves in under snowBuildings with natural hazardssnow pressure
Snow slides off and destroys the porch roofBuildings with natural hazardssliding snow counts
Carport or garage collapsesBuildings with natural hazardsonly if the outbuilding is insured
Furniture under the roof destroyedContents with natural hazardsseparate add-on needed
Roof avalanche hits a parked carThe car's own comprehensive coverfull comprehensive; partial only for glass or if included
Roof avalanche injures a passer-byOwner's liability insuranceprivate or property owner's liability

Where cover ends

Under the model terms, natural hazard damage to buildings or parts of buildings that are not yet ready for occupation is excluded. A shell building in winter needs a different solution. Snow that gets in through windows, doors or other openings that were not properly closed is excluded too.

Solar panels are excluded in the model terms and must be added separately. If you have panels on the roof, ask whether that inclusion also covers the further natural hazards. Whether a deductible applies to snow pressure, and how much, depends on your tariff.

Your duties when snow piles up

Section A 20.1.1 of the model terms requires you to keep insured property in proper condition at all times. Roofs are named expressly, and defects must be repaired without undue delay. A rotten roof structure you knew about and did not fix can cost you cover: for gross negligence, the insurer may reduce payment in line with the severity of the fault under section 28 (2) of the German Insurance Contract Act (VVG).

According to Stiftung Warentest, owners must clear the roof once a dangerous amount of snow builds up and the risk is obvious. Insurers advise against climbing onto the roof yourself because the risk of falling is high. Sweep from a ladder or roof hatch where possible. If that is not possible, call a roofer, or in an emergency the fire brigade or the federal relief agency THW.

How heavy snow really is

The depth of snow says little. What matters is water content and ice. Powder snow is light, wet snow is heavy, and thaw followed by frost forms ice sheets. According to German insurers, a layer only 10 centimetres thick can weigh more than 100 kilograms per square metre in extreme cases.

Flat roofs are at greater risk than pitched roofs because the snow does not slide off. That includes garages, carports and extensions. The insurers' simple test: if you can no longer press the snow down with a flat hand, it is getting critical.

Who needs the add-on and when it adds little

You can only buy the add-on as a package: snow pressure comes with heavy rain flooding, backflow and landslide. In snowy areas, in the low mountain ranges and near the Alps, and for houses with flat roofs, carports or conservatories, the snow alone is a reason to have it.

On low ground with a steep roof, a collapse under snow is rare. There, the risk from heavy rain usually decides whether the add-on pays off. If you rent, the building is your landlord's concern. Your own belongings are only protected against snow pressure if your contents insurance includes the natural hazards add-on.

Step by step

  1. Check your policy for further natural hazards or Elementar.
  2. Check whether carport, garage and conservatory are insured.
  3. When snow piles up, relieve flat roofs and extensions first, without climbing onto the roof.
  4. If the structure creaks or the ceiling sags, leave the rooms and call the fire brigade (112).
  5. After damage, secure the building, take photos and report it at once.
  6. Do not demolish or throw anything away before the insurer has seen or released it.

Checklist

  • Further natural hazards agreed in the buildings policy
  • Contents policy also has the natural hazards add-on
  • Outbuildings, carport and conservatory listed in the contract
  • Solar panels included, also against natural hazards
  • Roof and structure in good condition, defects fixed
  • Snow guards above entrance, pavement and parking space

Common mistakes

  • Believing storm and hail in basic cover also cover snow
  • Insuring only the building and leaving contents without the add-on
  • Climbing onto the snowy roof yourself
  • Not fixing known roof defects before winter
  • Leaving the carport or garage out of the contract

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

Does buildings insurance pay for snow pressure without the add-on?

No.

Snow pressure belongs to the further natural hazards and is only covered if that add-on is agreed.

Is my carport covered against snow pressure?

Only if it is insured as an outbuilding or part of the property and the natural hazards add-on is

in place.

Check your policy schedule.

Who pays if a roof avalanche damages my car?

Usually your own comprehensive car cover.

Without it, you would have to prove the house owner breached a duty of care, which is difficult.

Do I have to clear snow from my roof?

According to Stiftung Warentest, yes, once a dangerous amount builds up and the risk is obvious.

Do not climb onto the roof yourself.

Will insurance pay for my furniture under the collapsed roof?

That is for contents insurance, and only with its natural hazards add-on.

Buildings insurance pays for the house and fixed parts.

Can I insure snow pressure alone, without flooding?

Usually not.

The further natural hazards are sold as a package.

What does cover against snow pressure cost?

It is part of the natural hazards add-on.

In the lowest risk zone, the extra premium for a house averaged about EUR 92 a year in one tariff

analysis.

Sources

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