Natural disasters in France generated 1.4 million claims between January and August and will mean 5,200 million euros in compensation from insurers, according to the latest score sent this Friday by the professional federation to AFP.
The total of climatic claims during the first eight months of the year “is already much higher than the cost recorded each year since 2017, which averaged 3,500 million euros in 12 months,” specifies France Assureurs.
Two main factors explain this: a higher frequency of unusual events so far, such as severe weather in May and June, and the increase in the price of building materials needed for repairs.
Summer drought not yet taken into account
This new estimate “does not include the effects of drought and part of the damage to crops, so the loss experience is known later in the year,” adds the federation.
Damaged by the Cash Investigation program broadcast Thursday on France 2, insurers are also keen to show their role in the game alongside their insured clients.
Especially since a crucial meeting awaits them early next week at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Faced with high inflation -5.9% per year in August according to INSEE- the government had invited companies capable of doing so to make a gesture in favor of the purchasing power of the French.
“There is no reason for insurers not to also contribute to the collective effort,” Bruno Le Maire told a National Assembly committee on Wednesday.
Source: BFM TV
