Limburgers affected by water damage can demand more generous compensation from the government

People affected by flooding in Limburg in July last year may receive more compensation from the government than originally planned. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), responsible for handling this case, believes that in many cases the concept of non-insurable damage is interpreted too broadly and therefore pays more compensation to everyone.

Normally RVO has strict rules for insurable or non-insurable damage. For example, the institution’s website contains a list of what is considered household effects. Gardens, caravans, gazebos or a boat are not included.

But now it seems that the case has come to a dead end in recent months, with one being compensated for the garden furniture and the other not being paid. That is why RVO will assess all files and pay compensation in favor of the victims. This also applies to new notifications. Until 1 July, private individuals can report claims to OVR that are not covered by their insurer.

The spokesperson would not say how much it would cost. “We think it might be better than we expected since we had a big call out last year, but it really depends on how many people are still signing up,” it seems. The Service emphasizes that this promotion does not automatically apply to other past or future occasions.

Insurers do not always reimburse all water damage. For example, if a very large river overflows its banks, the damage can be so great that an insurer can get into payment problems.

To help people in this situation, the government has created the Life Damage Compensation Act (WT). The government has already paid 30 million euros to flood victims in Limburg, of which about 4 million to private individuals. This promotion is only valid for individuals, not for companies.