Extensive storms across much of France have seen approximately 214,000 claims totaling €430 million registered to the French Federation of Insurance (FFI) in the past few weeks.
Bernard Spitz, President of the FFI has traveled to the southwestern regions of Pau and Salies-de-Béarn to meet with public authorities and local elected officials in response to the storms.
Hail and heavy rains fell over a large part of France between May 25 and June 14. The weather events were significant in their duration, size and damage caused.
This follows just months after news that winemakers in the Bordeaux and Cognac regions of southwest France faced bankruptcy after violent hailstorms inflicted extensive damage across hundreds of vineyards.
Types of loss-events incurred by the recent storms include hail and rain to homes, vehicles and commercial property, floods, mudslides, electrical damage, and operating losses.
The FFI were quick to remind policyholders that all property insurance contacts include a natural catastrophe guarantee that will protect those affected.
Spitz said that insurers were fully mobilised following the recent high-occurrence of weather events and that they will continue to assess damages and help businesses recover as quickly as possible.
The president of the FFI pledged to continuing working with the government to increase its ability to respond to natural disaster and help develop a culture of prevention. Such proposals are expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
