ESTONIA: half of home-related insurance events last year caused by pipe leaks

17 May 2022 —
According to the Association of Estonian Insurance Companies (EKsL) last year local insurers paid out EUR 33 million for restoration of homes. There were a total of 18 thousand home-related insurance events and half of them caused by pipe leaks with a total loss of EUR 15 million.

According to the head of the Association, the number of pipe leaks has doubled in the last five years. "The main reason for the leakage of metal pipes is corrosion", said Reimets.

Last year, the damage from pipe leaks in 30 homes was over EUR 20 thousand euros. The average damage caused by the pipe leak was EUR 1740.

According to Liina LAKS, Swedbank's head of risk insurance, it is reasonable to purchase liability insurance together with home insurance, which covers losses to neighbors. "Last year, almost 40% of Swedbank's home insurance claims were related to water. Water damage is generally significant, as in addition to damaging one's own home, homes of other neighbors are often damaged", said LAKS.

In addition to pipe leaks, 9% of home insured events were caused by storms or other forces of nature. In 5% of cases, buildings were damaged because of a collision or impact. Electrical failures accounted for 4% and 3% of cases were fires, burglaries, and vandalism. The cases with the greatest damage were fires.



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