A boisterous story from Cologne-Nippes

It was a balmy summer evening in Cologne-Nippes, right on Neusser Wall. The Schmitz family was looking forward to their 25th anniversary celebration. The guests had arrived, the Kölsch kegs were tapped, and the atmosphere was electric – unfortunately, not just the atmosphere. In the middle of the boisterous revelry, a pipe burst on the upper floor – the result of a "creative" DIY installation by Uncle Rüdiger. What followed wasn't a pleasant drizzle, but a veritable waterfall that forced its way through the ceiling and cascaded directly onto the festively set table.

The guests were stunned at first, then panic broke out. The exquisite buffet was swimming in a broth of tap water and potato salad. The newly renovated parquet floor transformed into a slippery slope of sorts when Aunt Erna, in the heat of the moment, involuntarily spun around with a tray full of meatballs. And as if that weren't enough, it began to pour outside. The already overloaded sewer in front of the house gave way under the pressure, and the dirty backwater poured into the living room with a squelching sound. The Cologne Lights outside were replaced by a full-blown flood spectacle. The anniversary celebration didn't end with a lavish party, but with a rescue operation in an inflatable boat and a desperate attempt to save the floating family photos.

When Noah's Ark docks at your doorstep: Your guide to wet surprises

Let's be honest, who needs a swimming pool when you can transform your own house into an aqua zone? Water damage is the surprise package of disasters: you never know what you're going to get, but it's almost always wet and usually expensive. But before you repurpose your living room as an indoor pool, here's a brief overview of what your insurance covers.

Tap water: The insidious trickle giant

A burst faucet, a leaking pipe under the sink, or a broken dishwasher – tap water is the silent killer of your hardwood floors and cherished furniture. Often, you only notice the damage when the wallpaper starts to bubble or the downstairs neighbor rings the doorbell to complain about your "new room decor lighting." Your home contents and building insurance will take care of drying out the affected area, repairing the pipes, and replacing your waterlogged belongings.

Pipe bursts, backflow, flooding & high water: The ultimate splashing package

If the pipes not only leak but completely stop working, you have a burst pipe. It's like a mini-tsunami in your own home. And if the sewer overflows (backflow) or the heavens open and the rivers burst their banks (flooding), then things get really wet. A basement that becomes a swimming pool, or a ground floor that suddenly transforms into a wetland – it's no beach vacation, but definitely an unforgettable experience. It's a good thing your natural hazard insurance (often included as an add-on to your homeowner's insurance ) will step in and cover the costs of repairs and restoration.