blog.cat.money7 min read8/12/2026

A Rocket Damaged an Apartment or Car: What the State Will Compensate and How to Submit a Claim

Damage caused by a rocket, shrapnel, or a blast wave should not be repaired before you document the damage and collect the relevant records. We explain which types of property are covered by the Tax Authority’s Compensation Fund, when the expedited procedure is suitable, and what to do if the assessment is too low.

Numbers and facts

•Up to ₪30,000 — the limit of the published expedited track
•Up to 7 days — possible approval of an expedited claim
•30 days after payment — the deadline for submitting an invoice
•1 expedited claim per family and per event
•60 days — the fund’s deadline for responding to an objection

What Exactly Does the State Compensate?

Compensation for direct war damage is paid under the Property Tax and Compensation Fund Law, 1961. An online claim may be submitted for damage to a building, vehicle, household contents, inventory, equipment, and infrastructure resulting from hostilities or a hostile act. The property owner may submit a claim; for real estate, a person who proves that they bear the restoration costs may also apply. A tenant may claim for damaged apartment contents if the items belong to them. Household contents are insured by law without payment of a premium, but separate voluntary war-damage insurance is available for higher coverage.

Evidence First, Repairs Later

Before cleaning up or making repairs, take detailed photographs showing the overall condition of the premises or vehicle and each item of damage separately. Keep documents proving ownership of the items and vehicle, as well as estimates, contractor quotes, and correspondence concerning restoration costs. For the expedited track, the Tax Authority expressly requires photographs and a price quote, the accuracy of which the applicant personally confirms. Do not discard damaged items or begin irreversible repairs unless necessary; otherwise, it will be more difficult to demonstrate the original extent of the damage.

How to Submit a Claim and Choose a Track

A direct-damage claim is submitted online through the Tax Authority’s service; after digital identification, you can monitor its progress in your personal account and add documents. A regular track without digital identification is also available, using an identity card or passport number. The expedited track applies to damage to a building, contents, commercial equipment, and inventory in an amount not exceeding 30,000 shekels; a claim may be approved within 7 days without waiting for an assessor. For a vehicle, the regular direct-damage claim should be used, because a vehicle is not separately listed in the published expedited-track categories.

Why 30,000 Shekels Is Not Money Without Verification

The expedited track requires access to digital services, photographs, a price quote, and applicant declarations. Only one such claim is permitted per family and per event, and an expedited claim is submitted instead of, not in parallel with, a regular claim. After payment, an invoice must be submitted no later than 30 days afterward; missing the deadline may result in a demand to repay the money. Inaccurate declarations may also lead to repayment of the compensation and other measures prescribed by law.

How to Challenge an Undervalued Assessment

You may appeal a final decision of the Compensation Fund, not preliminary correspondence or a lack of response. The objection must state the claim number, the amount sought, and detailed grounds, and must include the contested decision and supporting evidence: photographs, estimates, invoices, and documents proving ownership of the property. The objection is submitted in writing to the appeals committee by email; the deadline must be specified in the decision itself, depending on the type of claim. The Tax Authority and the Compensation Fund must submit a response within 60 days after receiving the objection, after which a hearing is scheduled; failure to appear may result in termination of the proceedings.

FAQ

Where should I apply if a rocket damaged an apartment?

A direct-damage claim is submitted through the Tax Authority’s online service. The claim may cover damage to the building itself and to the items inside it, with photographs, documents, and a repair estimate attached.

Will an apartment tenant receive compensation?

A tenant may claim for damage to items belonging to them. For repairs to the real estate, the owner or a person who proves that they bear the restoration costs may submit a claim.

Will the state pay for a car damaged by a rocket?

A vehicle is expressly included in the list of property for which direct-damage claims are accepted. You should document the damage, prove ownership of the vehicle, and submit an online claim; the published expedited-track conditions do not separately mention vehicles.

Can I replace the windows and discard broken furniture immediately?

First, you should take detailed photographs and preserve evidence of the property’s value and ownership. If urgent work is necessary, document the condition beforehand and retain price quotes, invoices, and the contractor’s details.

What should I do if the compensation is less than the repair cost?

After receiving a final decision, you may submit a written objection to the appeals committee. It is important not merely to express disagreement, but to provide a calculation of the amount sought and attach supporting documents; check the text of the decision for the specific appeal deadline.

What to do next

Before making repairs, document all damage, prepare a list of damaged property, and collect records proving ownership and restoration costs. Submit a claim through the direct-damage service, choosing the appropriate track, and remember to submit an invoice on time after payment. If the assessment does not cover the documented damage, check the deadline in the final decision and prepare a reasoned objection supported by evidence.