Compulsory insurance against floods: majority of Germans agree!

Compulsory insurance against floods: majority of Germans agree!

The discussion about mandatory insurance against floods and other natural disasters has gained new momentum. The federal government plans to introduce such an insurance requirement in order to reduce the financial burden caused by extreme weather events. This plan has received broad support: A current survey by the comparison portal Verivox shows that 78% of homeowners and 79% of tenants are in favor of the plan. This survey was conducted in mid-May 2025 among 1,052 homeowners and 1,002 renters. In view of the financial burden on the state caused by frequent floods, for which only around half of German residential buildings are insured, the need for action is becoming increasingly clear. Loud courier However, there are concerns: around 15.9% of owners and 28.5% of tenants are unsure whether they can or want to bear the additional costs.

The federal government's plans are not surprising amid a climate change that is leading to more frequent and severe flood events. In recent years there have been devastating floods in federal states such as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, which has reignited the debate about compulsory insurance. After the dramatic events in Ahrweiler three years ago, the states spoke out in favor of such insurance, but the federal government's draft is still pending ZDF reported.

Conversations and resistance

The General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) has largely given up its resistance to compulsory insurance, but is also calling for a comprehensive construction planning concept that includes, for example, climate-resilient urban planning. In particular, a construction freeze should also be imposed in high-risk areas. It remains unclear whether all homeowners must take out elementary insurance or whether exceptions will be granted in the form of an opt-out solution, which is required by German insurers.

In the political debate, representatives from a wide range of parties formulate their positions. While the SPD supports mandatory insurance based on solidarity, the FDP warns of the financial burden on homeowners, which could potentially lead to a doubling of insurance premiums. Political pressure for compulsory insurance is increasing, and the next consultation with the federal states and the Federal Chancellor is scheduled for June 20, 2025.

Preventive measures and requirements

The owners' association Haus+Grund is skeptical about compulsory insurance and emphasizes the need for preventative measures against flooding. The German Association of Towns and Municipalities has also asked municipalities not to designate any new building areas in flood risk zones. In Germany there are over 300,000 buildings in endangered locations, 80% of which are in designated flood areas.

Support for severely affected homeowners has currently been promised; For example, the Saarland state government announced aid of up to 75,000 euros. However, the unclear responsibility for the costs of elementary insurance between owners and tenants remains a controversial issue. These uncertainties raise questions that will be clarified in the coming political discussions.