Behind the Hong Kong Hung Fuk Court Fire — Insurance Claims and Home Coverage Guide

On December 2, the Hung Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, resulted in 156 fatalities, with around 30 people still missing. China Taiping Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited, which underwrites the building works all-risk insurance, employee compensation insurance, and some home insurance, has initiated claims, paying the first 9 home insurance claims totaling HKD 5.372 million.

Hung Fuk Court’s property and common areas are insured for HKD 2 billion, with public liability, group personal accident insurance, and cash insurance also in place. The Financial Regulatory Authority urged insurers to follow the principle of “full, fast, and reasonable compensation,” simplifying procedures and ensuring timely payouts to affected residents.

Home insurance protects against risks such as fire, explosion, typhoons, and floods. Typical policies cost only a few hundred HKD per year for significant coverage. However, eligibility depends on property type, structure, and accurate address reporting. Rural, self-built, and unregistered properties are usually not covered.

Additionally, accident, health, critical illness, and life insurance form a personal protection network to provide financial security in emergencies. The fire underscores the importance of insurance awareness and proper household risk planning.