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Hässelby in northwest Stockholm, March 2023.
1 / 3Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT
You wake up to a bang and feel the pressure wave from the explosion in your chest. Explosions in residential areas have become commonplace in Sweden, and the victims are not only exposed to psychological suffering.
It can be very expensive, even if you have home insurance.
The Consumers’ Insurance Agency is increasingly being turned to by people who have been hurt when gang criminals set off detonations.
– The typical case is that you feel that you are not getting proper compensation for your damaged house or your damaged apartment, says Peter Stark, lawyer and expert in housing insurance.
Many people get upset that they have to bear the excess, even though they have been exposed to something that is clearly not their fault, he says. And the age deduction in the insurance can be even more costly.
“Huge expenses”
If you have an older home, which has not been renovated for a long time, you can at worst only receive compensation for 20 percent of the cost of restoring damaged walls and floors.
– There can be huge expenses, says Stark.
In theory, you should be able to receive compensation from the person who caused the damage. But that presupposes that the culprits are caught and prosecuted.
– It doesn’t happen very often that there is even a trial. And then you can be afraid of the dykes, if they are gang-related. Then you might not dare to make any claims for damages.
If the home has become uninhabitable, the home insurance must cover additional costs for a temporary home. But it is important to first discuss with the insurance company.
Often controversies
– There are often controversies surrounding additional costs, because even if the companies must reimburse necessary and reasonable additional costs, some consumers feel that they do not, that it is not long enough or that it is the wrong kind of alternative accommodation.
Many are also upset that they have to continue paying rent or monthly fees, even though the home is unusable.
– It is possible to get something back from your housing association or landlord, but there is nothing to say that you will get it automatically, says Peter Stark.
Shocked and scared
Bombings in Sweden increased sharply last year, when 156 completed crimes were reported, more than a year earlier. In this week alone, there have been six explosions in the country.
Many victims turn to the Crime Victims Emergency Service, which has both a national center and local emergency services. In the first, emergency situation, many are shocked and afraid, says General Secretary Fredrik Mellqvist.
– Just that there is someone who listens, who can provide calm, security and direction – we are there to cope with the situation.
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FACT Tips for sufferers
Home insurance usually covers ten psychologist visits for those who have experienced a traumatic event.
If it is not possible to stay at home, the costs of alternative accommodation are covered, but check with the insurance company first.
Home insurance often also covers additional costs for food if cooking is impossible in the temporary accommodation. Save all receipts.
Explosion damage to cars is compensated provided you have vehicle damage insurance.
In order to receive compensation for the rental car during the repair period, you must have a rental car supplement.
Damaged bicycles are considered personal property and are covered by home insurance.
The Crime Victims’ Helpline provides support and information on police reports, legal process and compensation issues.
Sources: Konsumertenas försäkringsbyrå and Brottsofferjouren
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