Storm insurance

The insurance sector plays a key role in compensating for damage and offering preventative advice. The Dutch Association of Insurers provides information on storm damage of various insurance products, such as private insurance and car insurance. There is a difference between private insurance, commercial insurance, and insurance for crops.

Private insurance

Dutch private insurance products are divided into property insurance (in Dutch: opstalverzekering) and contents insurance (in Dutch: inboedelverzekering). Almost all private property and contents insurance policies cover storm damage, including harm to the building itself, its content, and fences. In some cases, there may be a maximum payout for items attached to the property, and a deductible can be applied.

For cars, damage caused by winds of force 7 (14 metres per second) or higher is usually covered, provided the policy includes comprehensive or all-risk coverage. Damage caused by weaker winds, with a force of 1 to 6, is generally not covered.

Commercial insurance

Commercial insurance can be split into two different categories: insurance for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the co-insurance market. Storm damage is generally covered for property and contents insurances for SMEs. On the co-insurance market, companies can optionally cover damage to buildings and inventory, as well as business interruption, fences, and items attached to buildings, although for the latter a maximum payout may apply.

For commercial car insurance, damage caused by winds of force 7 (14 metres per second) or higher is covered under comprehensive or all-risk policies. Such claims do not affect the no-claims bonus or malus system. Damage caused by weaker winds, with a force between 1 and 6, is generally not covered.

Broad weather insurance

Since 2010, the broad weather insurance (in Dutch: brede weersverzekering) has been available. Before 2010, agricultural damage from weather-related events was compensated by the government. With the introduction of the broad weather insurance, agricultural open field cultivation companies can get insurance for extreme weather-related damages. The broad weather insurance policy offers coverage against rain, storm, drought, frost, snow, hail, and (wild)fire by lighting damages.