Coastal erosion insurance

In the Netherlands, damage caused by coastal erosion is usually not insured on the property insurance and contents insurance of households and businesses. Since coastal erosion is a gradual process, rather than a sudden event, it falls outside the scope of standard insurance policies. Property owners in coastal areas therefore usually bear the risk of erosion related damage themselves.

The Dutch government is responsible for protecting the coastline. In the event of flooding caused by failure of coastal defences, the government can compensate victims through the Disasters and Serious Accidents Act (WTS). However, areas outside the primary coastal defences are generally not covered by the WTS. For more information on flood insurance in the Netherlands, see Floods (coastal, fluvial).