Wenn Wind und Wetter zum Risiko werden

A folding tent is quick to set up, flexible to use and, for many companies, an indispensable part of events, trade fairs and functions. But what actually happens when a storm suddenly rolls in, the tent gets damaged, or third-party property is even affected? We asked Beat Ettlin of SB Partner what folding-tent owners in Switzerland should keep in mind when it comes to insurance.

 

Beat, can you even insure a folding tent?

Yes, in principle you can. For companies, a folding tent may be covered under the business property insurance, for example, depending on the existing policy.

What's important, though, is not to automatically assume that this covers every risk. That's why I recommend checking specifically with your insurance advisor whether the folding tent itself, the custom printing and the accessories are included, and whether the coverage also applies away from your own company premises.

 

Storm damage in particular is a big topic with folding tents. From what wind strength does the insurer actually classify something as a storm?

There's an important distinction to make here: the roughly 62 km/h that often gets mentioned refers to building insurance. With private insurance companies, a higher storm threshold applies in the property sector.

In the property sector of private insurers, a storm is generally only recognised from 75 km/h upwards. For building insurance, by contrast, wind speeds of around 62 km/h are already relevant.

This distinction is decisive in practice. A wind can already be strong enough to damage a folding tent while still, in insurance terms, being below the applicable storm threshold. That's why you should clarify in advance which threshold applies to your own insurance or policy.

 

If my tent is damaged at 50 or 60 km/h – does that mean the insurance won't pay?

Yes, in the property sector of a private insurance policy, exactly that can happen. If the measured wind is below 75 km/h, the requirement for a covered storm claim is usually not met – even if the wind was already strong enough to damage the tent.

We've actually had such cases in practice: the wind was strong enough to cause the damage, but from the perspective of the policy terms it was "too weak," because the required wind speed wasn't reached. Different limits may apply for building insurance; there, the roughly 62 km/h mentioned are relevant.

That's exactly why I'd advise every folding-tent owner to know the specific storm threshold of their insurance and not to clarify this question only once damage has already occurred.

 

What anchoring do I need to use so that the tent is properly secured from the insurer's point of view?

The basic rule is: the tent must be secured in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and to suit the particular weather and ground conditions.

With Pro-Tent, this includes sufficient ballasting as well as additional professional guying in windy conditions. Where the ground permits, pegs and guy straps can be used. Where that isn't possible, appropriately dimensioned weight or water solutions come into play.

The key point is: don't use just any fastening, but the securing method intended for that specific tent. In the event of a claim, the question of whether the tent was properly set up and secured can play an important role.

 

Are weight plates alone enough?

That depends on the conditions. Weight plates give the tent good basic stability. As the wind increases, however, additional guying is important.

With Pro-Tent, the required ballasting should be matched to the tent size and the type of use. In windy conditions, guying at all four roof corners is recommended. With the side walls, it's likewise important to offer the wind as little surface to attack as possible – so either fit and close all the walls, or remove them completely. Particularly unfavourable is a tent with three closed sides and one open side.

 

And what about the deductible? Does the customer always have to pay part of the cost themselves in a storm claim?

That depends on the particular insurance and the agreed coverage. Depending on the policy, a deductible per claim may apply.

With folding tents in particular, it's worth looking at this point in advance. Because with a smaller amount of damage, the size of the deductible can be a real factor in whether filing a claim or having a repair done through the insurance makes sense at all.

My recommendation is therefore to ask yourself not only "Am I insured?" but also "How high is my deductible, and which types of damage are actually covered?"

 

What happens if a storm comes on suddenly and the tent is damaged despite being properly secured?

The first priority is always the safety of the people involved. If it can be done safely, you should try to prevent further damage.

After that: document, document, document. Photos of the whole tent, of the anchoring, the weights or guying, the damaged parts and, if possible, the surroundings as well are very helpful.

Details about the time the damage occurred and the weather conditions at that moment can also be important. The damage should then be reported to the insurance advisor or the insurer as quickly as possible. I would also advise against disposing of damaged parts straight away, before the next steps have been clarified with the insurer.

 

And what happens if my folding tent blows away and, for example, damages a car or another exhibitor's stand?

Then, alongside your own property damage, it's also a question of liability.

The insurer checks whether the owner or operator of the folding tent can be held responsible for the damage caused. Here again, it can be relevant whether the tent was professionally set up, adequately secured, and kept in use despite a recognisable weather risk.

For companies, it therefore makes sense not only to look at the insurance for their own tent, but also to check how such cases are covered under their business liability insurance.

 

Many customers leave their folding tent standing for several days or even weeks. When does a folding tent no longer count as a temporary tent, but as a permanent structure?

That can't be answered with a simple number of days. Whether an installation is assessed as a temporary facility, a movable structure (Fahrnisbaute) or a structure relevant under building law – and whether a permit is required for it – depends, among other things, on the location, the duration, the use, the type of fixing and the local regulations.

So even a tent that isn't anchored into the ground with a classic foundation is not automatically exempt from permit requirements.

Anyone wanting to use a folding tent at the same location over a longer period – for example as a permanent sales, catering or workspace – should clarify this beforehand with the responsible municipality or building authority.

 

Your most important tip for all folding-tent owners?

Don't wait until after damage occurs to find out how the tent is insured.

I'd go through five specific points with your insurance advisor once: Is my folding tent insured, including printing and accessories? What does the coverage look like for storms? Which storm threshold applies to my insurance – especially in the property sector? How high is my deductible? And what requirements does the insurer set for securing and anchoring the tent?

Anyone who has clarified these questions beforehand and sets up their tent in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications is in a considerably better position in the event of a claim.

 

5 points before your next use

• Check the insurance coverage for the tent, printing and accessories

• Clarify your insurance's storm threshold: building insurance approx. 62 km/h, private property insurance 75 km/h

• Know your deductible

• Ballast the tent according to the manufacturer's specifications and add guying in windy conditions

• For longer-term setups, clarify any permit requirements with the municipality/building authority

 

Note: Insurance coverage, deductibles and requirements differ depending on the insurance company and policy. Permit requirements can also be regulated differently at cantonal and municipal level. The statements in this interview serve as general guidance and should be reviewed and approved by Beat Ettlin for accuracy before publication.