In the Netherlands, the overflowing of greenhouse gutters can be an event covered by insurance but only in case of a sudden downpour. If the drains on the outside of the greenhouse can’t handle the precipitation, the water can end up in the greenhouse. In this case, there is no overflowing of gutters and damage won’t be covered. If there is penetration of melt water, after snowfall for example, then there is no overflowing of gutters either, and hence not covered by most insurance policies. Also non-toxic substances can cause damage to crops.
The damage that is caused by overflowing gutters can have disastrous consequences. Cold water dripping on the slabs can cause sporulation in the present fungus Phytophthora, affecting several crops.