This year, 101,032 claims were received by Hungarian insurers following the storms between May 1 and August 31, and insurers have already paid out HUF 13.12 billion (~EUR 33.63 million) and are making reserves for claim payments, portfolio.hu reports.

Compared to the storm damage data for the same period last year, this represents an increase of nearly HUF 3 billion, according to the Association of Hungarian Insurers (MABISZ). Last year, devastating storms caused damage of HUF 10.30 billion (~EUR 26.21 million) across the country in the same period.

It is noted that the MABISZ’s report does not include agricultural damage and damage to industrial facilities and public institutions due to the weather.

Compared with other European countries, it is outstanding that, according to expert estimates, more than 80% of properties in Hungary have home insurance, and home insurance provides coverage for all natural disaster risks that cause major damage. It is also good news that Hungarian citizens are increasingly consciously choosing home insurance, the source added.

*EUR 1 = HUF 390.21 (as of September 20)