Groundwater flood insurance

In the Netherlands, insurance coverage for water damage caused by groundwater flooding depends on the insured assets, the type of insurance policy, and the nature of the damage.

While insurance against rainfall damage is relatively comprehensive, damage from rising groundwater remains largely uninsured. There are few insurances that offer such coverage, provided that the water entered the building through drainage systems or bathroom appliances.

Figure shows the insurance context for the different types of flooding in the Netherlands.
The image shows that flooding from unprotected areas along the main water system (A) and groundwater flooding (F) are not insured in the Netherlands. Flooding of protected areas along the main water system (B) is compensated by the government. Flooding of the regional water system (C, D), and pluvial flooding (E) are insured. Source: adapted from Klopstra & Kok and Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (PDF).