Concerns among Dutch about climate risks to homes but unawareness of insurability and prevention

Among the Dutch who are somewhat or very concerned about climate risks and damage to their homes, the greatest concerns are focused on storm damage caused by strong winds (58%). Water damage from precipitation, such as heavy rainfall, storms, hail, or snow, is also a significant concern for this group. The least concerns are about lightning damage and foundation damage due to drought.

Of the entire survey population, many Dutch people indicate that they have not yet taken any measures to reduce climate risks to their homes and do not plan to do so (57%). A smaller group indicates that they have not yet taken any measures but plan to do so in the near future (24%). Only 19% indicate that they have already taken action.

Ignorance seems to be an important factor in why people do not take action. Dutch people indicate that they lack sufficient knowledge of the options available or find the costs of implementing them too high. What also holds people back is that they have never experienced climate damage, which may reduce the sense of urgency. Additionally, they consider the likelihood of climate damage to be low.

The survey also shows that many people do not know exactly what their home insurance does or does not cover in the event of damage. Although damage to solar panels (permanently mounted on the roof of the house) is covered by home insurance, there is still a group that assumes this is not the case (41%). At the same time, half of the Dutch people incorrectly assume that they are insured against coastal or river flooding through their home insurance (51%). 

Frank van Wessel, Deputy Director of Non-Life at a.s.r.: ‘It is remarkable that 57% of the Dutch indicate that they do not take any measures against climate risks for their own home and do not plan to do so. Meanwhile, a similarly large group of Dutch people indicate that they are concerned about these risks. Remarkable, especially since the news is currently daily about climate change and disasters, and a home is often the largest private asset. Protecting your home well against climate risks starts with having the right knowledge and engaging in an active dialogue. It is therefore important that more attention is paid to this. Together with advisors, we are committed to this.’