Floods, mudflows, landslides, earthquakes, storm winds and fires are risks that every region of the country faces to some degree. The consequences of such events rarely stop at minor repairs: the dwelling itself, its decoration and the property inside it are all at risk.
A natural disaster cannot be ruled out completely. What can be done is to arrange in advance for the cost of restoring your home not to fall entirely on the family budget. Two instruments exist for this in the Kyrgyz Republic, and it is important to tell them apart: compulsory housing insurance and voluntary property insurance.
Compulsory housing insurance
Compulsory insurance of residential premises against fire and natural disasters is provided for by the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. It applies to residential premises and protects the owner when events classified by law as insured events occur.
Such events include, in particular, fire and a number of natural disasters, as well as water entering the dwelling as a result of lawful firefighting actions.
The terms of compulsory housing insurance, the list of insured events, the sum insured and the payment procedure are determined by legislation and by the insurance contract. Before taking out a policy it is important to read these terms and the list of exclusions.
What voluntary property insurance adds
Compulsory housing insurance covers a list of risks defined by law. Anything outside that list can, if you wish, be protected separately through voluntary property insurance.
Under a voluntary property insurance contract the policyholder can insure property belonging to them against the risks set out in the contract: this may cover the premises and their decoration as well as furniture, household appliances and other belongings.
The list of insured property, the insured events, the sum insured and the amount of compensation are determined by the chosen programme and by the insurance contract. When taking out the policy it is therefore important to state explicitly the property and the risks you want to protect.
What to do in advance
- Check whether your home has a compulsory insurance policy and whether it is still valid.
- Consider which property in your home matters most to you and how much it would cost to restore.
- Check whether the risks you are concerned about are included in the cover and, if necessary, look at the terms of voluntary property insurance.
- Keep the documents for your home and for valuable property, together with receipts and photographs — they will help to confirm the damage.
- Keep the insurance company telephone number and your policy details to hand.
If a natural disaster does occur
First of all, see to people's safety and, where possible, take steps to reduce the damage — provided this does not endanger life or health.
Contact the competent authorities and emergency services: their documents confirm the fact, the date and the nature of what happened.
Record the damage in photographs and video, and do not begin full restoration work before the inspection. Keep the damaged property where this is possible and safe.
Notify the insurance company in the manner and within the time limits set out in the insurance contract and the insurance rules, and prepare the documents needed to review the claim: the notification, the policy, an identity document, documents for the home, certificates from the competent authorities, a list of the damaged property and your bank details.
The main point
Compulsory housing insurance is the basic protection provided for by law. Voluntary property insurance makes it possible to extend that protection to a particular home, particular property and particular risks.
A policy can be taken out at GSO branches and sales points in every region of the country, as well as through the company's online services. Before taking out the policy, read the terms of cover, the list of insured risks, the exclusions, the sum insured and the procedure for receiving an insurance payment.
Apply online: compulsory housing insurance Apply online: voluntary property insurance
Any questions?
GSO hotline: +996 (312) 65-08-53 — Mon–Fri, 9:00 to 18:00.
Email: info@gso.kg
Addresses of branches and sales points in every region are listed under Branches and on the Contacts page.