Damage caused by natural disasters

Processing of a case starts when notification of damage is received by NTÍ. Damage is reported electronically via a notification button in the top right-hand corner of the NTÍ home page. It is important to provide the most accurate information possible to ensure fair processing of the case. Wilfully providing false or incomplete information may lead to loss of entitlement to damages from NTÍ. *

Damage assessments for NTÍ are conducted by unbiased and impartial evaluators who work independently. NTÍ has contracts with four engineering firms that are responsible for the assessment of damages for NTÍ, Efla, Mannvit, Verkís and VSÓ consultancy.

Before damage assessment is carried out, assessors contact the registered owners of the property (or representative of the owner if such a person has been registered) to book an appointment for damage assessment. The owner of the property or his representative shall at all times have the right to be present at the inspection of damage.

After the damage assessment has been carried out, assessors write a formal assessment and submit it to NTÍ. The processing time for assessments is commonly 3-5 weeks, depending on case load, the number of individual claims and the number of cases handled at any given time by NTÍ.

When owners have had the opportunity to express their views, NTÍ will make a decision based on case factors and damage assesment. If a decision involves payment of compensation for damages, settlement shall take place as soon as all necessary information is available. If the injured party does not accept the decision made by NTÍ, he or she may refer the matter to an adjudication committee operating on the basis of Article 19 of the Act on NTÍ within 30 days of the publication of the decision. For further details, see the NTÍ ruling committee

• When the damage assesment has been received by NTI, it is sent to the owners of the property. Owners have an opportunity to express their views on the content and outcome of the assessment before a decision is made on liability and amount of possible compensation. NTÍ reviews the views and comments submitted by the owner and evaluates whether there is reason to reconsider the available conclusion in light of them.

You can follow the progress of the case through 'my pages'. There you can see where processing of the case is at any given time, and also find published documents related to the case.

When results of the damage assessment is received by the owners, a certain period of time is given to express views and make comments. The processing of the case can be expedited with confirmation from all the owners that they have no comments and they are satisfied with the conclusion NTI has come to. Otherwise, the proceedings shall be adjourned until the time limit for comments has passed. Electronic communications will speed up the processing of the case. If all the owners approve electronic communications and fill in all the requested information on 'my pages', this will speed up the processing of the case.

Party to an administrative proceeding (registered owner of an asset on the date of notification): A party to a case shall be the party to a proceeding in an active administrative proceeding. He or she may receive all documents in the case, other than working papers.

Other persons with legally protected interests (other registered owners of the property): All documents other than working papers may be submitted which do not contain financial or personal information (such as amounts in the assessments).

The public shall have the right to receive:
Information may be given to the public as to whether damage has been assessed or rejected in regard to the building. If damage has been assessed, information on whether damage has been reported to the building representative may be provided, if this information is available.

Agents: Other parties may be authorized to obtain information on assets in accordance with the above. For example, it is common for real estate agents to access information on damage to property under the authority of the owners. Such mandates must contain a clear authorisation to access data from NTÍ.

If it is found that there is further damage after a decision has been taken in the case, the owner may send in a notification of additional damage. It is reported in the same way as new damage, but it must be specified that the damage is additional. It is important to report additional damages as soon as they are discovered. Regarding limitation periods, refer to laws on insurance nr 30/2004