Although insured losses from natural hazards in 1H 2025 came in below the long-term average, Germany’s insurers caution there is no reason for complacency. The German Insurance Association (GDV) is urging stronger preventive measures against the growing threat of climate change.

According to GDV, insured damages from storms, hail, heavy rain, and flooding totaled around EUR 1 billion between January and June 2025. Roughly EUR 500 million was paid out under property insurance for damage to homes, household contents, and businesses. A further EUR 100 million stemmed from other perils such as flooding and cloudbursts. In motor insurance, storm and flood claims reached EUR 350 million.

“While the first half of 2025 was below average in terms of natural hazard losses, the long-term trend clearly shows a rise in extreme weather events and damages,” said Jörg Asmussen, GDV’s Chief Executive.

If the second half of the year brings no severe autumn or winter storms, insurers expect total natural hazard losses in 2025 to amount to around EUR 4.5 billion, compared with the EUR 6.3 billion forecast in previous years.

Call for a comprehensive protection strategy

Despite the relatively mild start to the year, insurers stress that the structural risks are intensifying. “Given the growing threats, we need a stronger focus on comprehensive prevention,” Asmussen emphasized, noting that only just over half of buildings in Germany are currently fully insured against natural perils, despite broad availability of coverage.

The GDV has welcomed ongoing discussions on introducing an opt-out solution for natural hazard insurance and examining the role of a state-backed reinsurance scheme. “Lasting protection for people, property, and infrastructure can only be achieved when insurance, prevention, and climate adaptation go hand in hand,” said Asmussen. “We are at the beginning of an important societal debate and are ready to contribute.”