Tulekahjum

Tulekahjum is the Estonian term for fire loss, referring to the financial damages caused by a fire event. In insurance and risk management, it denotes losses that arise from direct property damage as well as ancillary costs tied to a fire incident.

A typical fire loss includes direct damage to buildings and their contents, loss of inventory or equipment, and business interruption with lost income during the recovery period. It can also cover extra expenses such as temporary premises, relocation costs, cleanup and demolition, and any salvage or residual value of damaged items.

Causes and risk factors: fires can be caused by human activity (accidents or arson) or technical failures (electrical faults, heating equipment). Risk factors include storage of flammable materials, outdated wiring, inadequate fire protection, and lacking or malfunctioning detection and suppression systems.

Assessment and claims: fire loss is assessed according to the insured value and policy terms. Insurers may pay based on replacement cost or actual cash value, minus deductibles and depreciation. Claims require documentation of damage, inventories, receipts, and often an on-site inspection. Salvage rights may be part of the settlement.

Prevention and management: effective fire prevention reduces potential tulekahjum. Measures include fire alarms, extinguishers, automatic sprinklers, proper electrical maintenance, fire-resistant building materials, and clear emergency plans.

The term is commonly used in Estonian property and casualty insurance contexts and is addressed within policy definitions and underwriting practices. For specific conditions, policy documents and local regulations should be consulted.