Considerably less storm damage in 2023

In 2023, the Dutch suffered significantly less damage as a result of natural disasters. Last year, insurers received €357 million in claims due to lightning, hail, rain, flood, frost and storm. This amount is less than 40% of the previous year's damage amount.

Reason for less damage

The decline in damage is mainly due to the absence of severe winter storms, according to the Association of Insurers. In 2022, the February storms caused Eunice, Dudley and Franklin significant storm damage. Fortunately, the damage amount for 2023 is again more in line with the average of recent years.

Summer hail

However, a significant part of the damage last year was attributable to motor vehicles, according to the Association's annual Climate Damage Monitor. Especially in the summer, many Dutch people, both at home and abroad, were affected by bad weather. Hail damage caused €60 million in damage, compared to €16 million in 2021.

As a car owner, it is important to be aware of this, as this may affect the choice of your car insurance.This is because hail damage is not reimbursed if you only have third party insurance.If you want to know more about this, please contact Van Loon.

What can you do yourself?

Richard Weurding, director of the Association of Insurers, gives some practical tips: “Keep a close eye on the weather forecast. When the weather changes, make sure you get yourself to safety, secure everything properly and bring in loose objects.”

We also have a few tips for you. No matter how obvious: remember to close all windows and doors properly. Even through a small crack, a lot of water can come in! And don't park your car under a tree to prevent damage caused by falling branches.

Protection against climate damage

In addition, it is wise to check whether your weather insurances provide sufficient coverage for damage caused by extreme weather. Do you have questions about this? Please feel free to contact Van Loon. We would love to help you be prepared for any type of weather!

Storm damage insurance claims

Storm damage insurance claims declined sharply in 2023. The absence of severe storms has meant that insurers received significantly fewer reports, which has a positive effect on overall damage rates. Check that your weather insurances are up to date to avoid unexpected costs.