Compulsory solidarity insurance: This is how Germans think about climate damage!

Compulsory solidarity insurance: This is how Germans think about climate damage!

In Germany, the discussion about the introduction of compulsory insurance against climate damage is growing. According to Ifo expert Marie-Theres von Schickfus, 39 percent of households are in favor of a solidarity-based insurance system. In addition, 34 percent of those surveyed show a neutral attitude towards this idea. These results come from an extensive study that surveyed over 8,000 households and 639 companies about their expectations of government aid and their attitude towards compulsory insurance. What is particularly interesting is the fact that support for compulsory insurance increases with targeted information about state aid. It was found that up to 80 percent of the damage after the 2021 flood disaster was compensated.

The flood disaster that caused devastating damage in Germany in 2021 amounted to over 40 billion euros. However, only around half of the residential buildings affected were insured. This fact has reignited the discussion about insurance among the population and made the idea of ​​general compulsory insurance seem fairer and more cost-effective compared to ad hoc state aid. Marie-Theres von Schickfus's expertise underlines that the population recognizes that compulsory insurance organized by the private sector could be more economically efficient and fairer.

Prejudices and the influence of information policy

A notable point in this debate is the perception of the costs and benefits of compulsory insurance. Uninsured households in areas with a lower flood risk in particular appear to be more supportive of the idea of ​​an obligation when they are informed about the benefits and government assistance. The study shows that a successful information policy can significantly increase support for such insurance.

The result could trigger far-reaching policy changes in disaster preparedness. If the population is prepared to support an insurance system based on solidarity, there is a good chance that corresponding political measures will soon be on the agenda.

The findings from this discussion are not only important for politics, but also raise questions about the responsibility of insurance companies and society in dealing with climate risks. It remains to be seen how this issue will develop and what steps will be taken next to better protect the population from the consequences of climate change. Further information on the aspects of compulsory insurance can be found at ifo.de and cash-online.de.