Pluvial flood insurance

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

Damage to building assets for private homes and businesses is generally covered under contents and/or property insurance (PDF), though specific terms vary by insurer. For building assets, both private and business insurance typically cover water entering homes or buildings through roofs, gutters, or thresholds and damage from roof collapses due to rainfall intensity. Such damage from precipitation is often insured when it meets defined precipitation thresholds (PDF), as advised by the Dutch Association of Insurers. However, coverage excludes situations caused by poor maintenance, open windows or doors, or failure to meet building standards. Insurances occasionally cover indirect causes, such as drainage system overflows.

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).

Water damage from pluvial flooding for other types of assets is covered by different insurance policies. For agricultural businesses, broad weather insurance policies (PDF) are available, focusing on crop damage due to heavy rainfall. Whereas hull or all-risk insurance cover water damages to motor vehicles from flooded streets, including incidents during heavy rain. For specific guidance on pluvial flood risk insurance, the Dutch Association of Insurers provides detailed resources, including an infographic on climate risk insurability.