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Severe weather warning service by SMS: Protect yourself

Protect yourself and your vehicle with our free severe weather warning service by text message. We warn you about thunderstorms, other storms and hail. This means you can get yourself and your vehicle to safety in good time.

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SMS warning service: How it works

With our SMS warning service, you are prepared when severe weather threatens. We explain how the service works.

In this situation, you'll receive a warning

We inform you about dangerous weather events such as hail, thunderstorms and other storms in your region. You don't need Wi-Fi or an app.

At such times we'll inform you

In the case of major events, we generally warn you at least 12 hours before the expected event, and 15-45 minutes beforehand in the case of sudden storms – and where there's a real risk.

How the SMS severe weather warning works

Based on current weather data, we inform you by text message about severe weather hazards in your region based on two warning levels. Below you will find valuable tips on how you can protect yourself and your car.

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Received a severe weather warning? What you can do now

How you can protect yourself and minimize storm damage to your car

12-24 hours before the storm

  • If severe weather is forecast, try to avoid unnecessary journeys by car – get yourself and your car to safety in good time.
  • If there is an increased risk of thunderstorms, park your vehicle in a residential garage or parking garage. 
  • Leave your car at home and use public transportation.

15-45 minutes before the storm

  • Look for a safe shelter for your vehicle as soon as possible. If you are on the road, drive carefully to a nearby residential garage or parking garage.
  • If no shelter is available and you have hail protection cover, cover your car. The windows are especially at risk and should be protected. 

My car has been damaged – what should I do?

Damage caused by natural hazards is covered by single vehicle accidental damage insurance. We're here for you!
Protection Car Digital

1. Report your claim to us

It's best to report your claim directly online and book an appointment at one of our Zurich Help Points right away. In the event of major hailstorms, we also open special hail help points in your region.

2. Zurich Help Point: Always close

At the Zurich Help Point, our team of vehicle experts will assess your vehicle damage and discuss the next steps with you. As a rule, you can decide whether you want to have the damage repaired or request a payout.

3. Repair: We take care of it

After the inspection at the Help Point, we will organize the repair of your vehicle at your request using the latest methods and to the highest quality. You even receive a lifetime repair guarantee.

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Do you have any questions?

When do I receive the warnings and what exactly do they look like?

You will only receive a severe weather warning if it could actually become dangerous or if there is a risk of damage to your vehicle. We will inform you by SMS in good time with up-to-date and targeted information for your registered address. We warn you 12-24 hours in advance of major events, and 15-45 minutes in advance of sudden thunderstorms, hail or heavy rain.

Is the severe weather warning service based on my actual location?

No, we do not track your location. The severe weather warning service is provided for your registered address. We inform you by SMS about dangerous weather situations. You do not need any mobile data, nor activation of GPS localization, nor an app. You can register easily for the severe weather service using the registration form.

How is my personal information and location data used and protected?

We attach great importance to data protection and privacy. Your personal information and location data will only be used to send the warning SMS. For this purpose, Zurich transmits your telephone number and your home address to our external weather service. Based on this information, it can create a weather forecast for your place of residence and send you targeted warnings. 

How does the service provider use my data?

The severe weather warnings are issued via the severe weather center of our partner UBIMET GmbH. The UBIMET Group is a provider of meteorological forecasting systems. Meteorologists monitor the weather around the clock and issue severe weather warnings. The partner receives your telephone number and address from us. These are used to issue severe weather warnings for your registered addresses in order to send them to you.

What did the warning levels in the SMS mean?

Severe weather warnings are issued according to the current damage and hazard potential. Our warning system is based on two levels, red and violet. Severe weather events from level red are already dangerous weather situations with considerable hazard potential. And if the violet level is reached, there is significant risk, and even more damage can occur. In both cases, increased attention is required, and you should protect yourself and your vehicle.

What is a Hail Help Point?

Zurich organizes so-called Hail Help Points in areas where many customers have suffered hail damage to their vehicles. This allows us to offer help quickly and conveniently to anyone affected. If you live closer to a permanent Zurich Help Point than to our temporary Hail Help Point, you can of course also visit one of our 28 traditional Zurich Help Points. The easiest way to make an appointment is directly online. The Help Point Finder provides you with an overview of all Help Points.