Natural disasters in Hesse: Millions in losses in 2024 in comparison!

Natural disasters in Hesse: Millions in losses in 2024 in comparison!

Storms, hail and floods caused less insured damage in Hesse in 2024 than in the previous year. According to reports from the Borken newspaper The insured damage caused by natural hazards totaled 252 million euros. The damage was therefore significantly lower than the 892 million euros in 2023, which was mainly caused by high hail damage in the low mountain ranges of Hesse.

In the area of ​​property insurance, which includes damage to buildings, household goods and commercial and industrial businesses, insured losses amounting to 223 million euros were recorded in 2024. Of this, 131 million euros was attributable to natural disasters caused by heavy rain and flooding, while 92 million euros were attributable to storm and hail damage. Motor vehicle insurers reported natural hazard damage of 29 million euros for vehicles. However, it should be noted that the total damage is likely to be higher because not all damage is insured.

Detailed analysis of the damage situation

In order to obtain a detailed picture of the damage caused by natural hazards, the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) provides extensive data. The data service complements the 2024 Natural Hazards Report with a wide range of information that offers differentiated graphics, tables and maps about damage to buildings, household goods, motor vehicles as well as in commercial, industrial and agricultural areas. GDV also explains that the data also offers long-term insights into the development of claims by property and motor vehicle insurers.

Particular attention is paid to property insurance losses, which are evaluated at federal state level. Storm and hail damage as well as other natural hazard damage (natural hazard damage) are recorded in long time series. This enables a comprehensive analysis of damage frequencies and distributions in order to gain a better understanding of the risks in different regions of Germany.

In order to further clarify the risk situation, the evaluations also include information about insurance densities, damage rates, frequencies and average values. There are also special risk zone maps that raise awareness of earthquake, lightning and surge damage in Germany.

As part of this comprehensive analysis, it becomes clear that every region in Germany is exposed to potential natural hazards, which underlines the need for expanded natural hazard protection. A detailed glossary complements the data collection and helps to make the complex subject matter more understandable.