Environmental changes affecting weather patterns call for new carbon emissions targets. Climate alterations demanding revision of carbon emission objectives. A need for updated carbon emission goals arises due to shifts in weather conditions. - Fewer storm damage claims were reported by insurance companies in Saarland during 2023.
In the German state of Saarland, weather-related destruction has declined significantly in 2023 compared to the previous year. The German Insurance Association (GDV) in Berlin reported on Monday that the total damage cost was 28 million euros, down from 47 million euros in 2022.
Of this amount, property insurers received 19 million euros for damages caused by storms, hail, floods, and strong winds, and car insurers received 9 million euros. It should be noted that these figures only account for insured damages.
Looking at the statistics, just 14.2% of home insurance policies in Saarland faced storm and hail-related damage - significantly lower than the 26.1% from 2022. Saarland placed eighth in the nation's natural disaster ranking, with an average of 14.2% of policies having weather-related claims. The national average for frequency of these claims is 18.5%. The highest number of claims was reported in Schleswig-Holstein, with an astonishing 31 such occurrences.
Nearly all homes in Saarland have insurance coverage against storms and hail, but only 49% are insured against floods and other natural disasters. Across Germany, 54% of all homes are insured against all forms of weather-related risk. The GDV warns that many homeowners remain unaware of their personal risk of facing natural disasters.
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- The General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) has pointed out the importance of addressing climate change and its impact on weather patterns, calling for increased focus on flood prevention measures in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland regions.
- The decline in weather-related damage claims in Saarland in 2023 can be attributed to the general association's ongoing efforts to promote awareness and encourage proactive measures to mitigate flood damage, such as installing flood barriers and implementing green infrastructure projects.
- In light of the lower insurance payouts for weather-related damage in Saarland, the GDV has also suggested that local authorities in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland regions consider implementing stricter building codes to reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events, like storms and floods.
- Berlin-based GDV advocates for policy changes at the national level, urging federal authorities to establish a comprehensive disaster risk management strategy that considers the increasing risks posed by climate change and encourages the adoption of resilient building designs and urban planning practices.
- Amid the overall decline in weather-related damage claims in Saarland, it is important to balance this trend against the significant flooding experienced in other parts of Germany, such as the Elbe River region, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing climate changes and weather disruptions.
- In response to climate change and its repercussions on natural disasters, the GDV has launched collaborative initiatives with environmental organizations, scientists, and policymakers to advocate for stronger climate regulation and emission reduction targets in Germany and the European Union.
- While storm damage claims have decreased in Saarland, the Insurance industry and GDV in Berlin are closely monitoring weather patterns to predict and prepare for potential future extreme weather events in an effort to minimize the financial impact on insurance firms and policyholders, in Saarbrücken and across Germany.
Source: www.stern.de
