WIESBADEN, Germany -- The Wiesbaden area recently experienced severe storms, causing flooding, downed branches and other damages from heavy winds. Military members and Department of Defense civilians who suffered loss or damage to personal property may be entitled to receive compensation for losses through the U.S. Army Claims System.
The U.S. Army Europe and Wiesbaden Legal Center Claims Division can assist with their personal property claims. Individuals who suffered loss or damage to personal property may file a claim with the Army if:
a. The personal property was located in or adjacent to government-assigned quarters when it was damaged. Government-assigned quarters are defined as housing provided in kind by the government or privatized housing (including private rental or government-leased housing).
b. The individual is a proper claimant under the law. A proper claimant is an active duty Army service member, an Army Reservist on active duty at the time of the loss, or a civilian employee of the Department of the Army.
Include the following information to ensure claims are quickly and properly adjudicated and paid:
First, take pictures of privately owned vehicles damaged by wind, fallen trees or branches as soon as possible, ideally before and after the branch or tree is removed. Take as many photos as necessary to fully document the damage. Notify your insurance provider immediately for instructions on how to file a claim. Claims regulations require individuals with private insurance covering the loss must make a demand against the private insurance carrier first before the claims office can adjudicate the claim. Claims may still be submitted to the Army for the amount of the deductible. Those who do not carry insurance to cover the loss may file with the Army claims office directly.
Second, if private belongings other than vehicles were damaged, such as grills or lawn furniture, or household goods due to flooding, document the damage by taking photos. For example, take pictures of water marks left on the walls, and any other photos that may be useful as evidence of the damage. Document damage shortly after it occurs and after mitigation attempts. Remember, the more evidence provided, the easier it is to pay claims. Include the value of the property, steps taken to save the property or an explanation as to why it was not kept.
Army regulations require claimants try to mitigate or lessen damages to their belongings and save whatever they can. Do not automatically throw away damaged items. The more expensive the item the better it is to keep it until the claim is settled. If the item is a health hazard it should be thrown away, but contact the claims office before doing so. Wet items should be dried promptly so they do not deteriorate or mildew. If clothes are dirty and wet, attempt to wash and dry them. Compensation will not be provided for further damage caused by failure to salvage items. Private renters, homeowners or personal property insurance may cover damage to these items, as well. A claim must be filed with insurance first if this is the case.
Third, when filing a claim for damaged personal property, substantiate amount with purchase receipts to show original value. Substantiate current replacement value with prices from the internet, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service or commercial sales catalogs. For cleaned and salvaged items, submit cleaning bills. For loads of laundry done at a laundromat, keep a detailed log of how many loads were washed and how much was spent on the machines and detergent.
Finally, claimants have two years from the date of incident to file claims. However, it may be more difficult to substantiate losses when waiting the full two years.
For more information or assistance filing a claim, stop in the Client Services office on the ground floor of Building 1023N on Clay Kaserne. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday. Call the office at (0611) 143-537-0664/0675, or visit https://www.facebook.com/WiesbadenClaims/ for more information.
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