Workers will receive safeguards against radiation hazards, as the Commission backs a plan for a directive on radiation protection.
In Germany, a significant majority of homeowners and tenants support the implementation of a mandatory insurance policy for natural disasters, as per a survey conducted by Verivox. A total of 78% of homeowners and 79% of tenants advocated for this proposal. On average, homeowners are willing to pay €286 annually for such coverage.
The survey also revealed that 61% of homeowners express concerns about the escalating frequency of natural disasters in their region. Among these, 86% support the idea of a mandatory insurance policy.
Despite the widespread consensus for mandatory insurance, affordability remains a concern. Sixteen percent of homeowners stated they cannot afford additional property expenses, and a quarter of respondents do not wish to shoulder further costs. Among homeowners without natural disaster insurance, one in five cited cost as the primary reason for not procuring such coverage.
The cost of insurance varies depending on factors such as the value, size of the house, and the risk zone. In high-risk areas, annual expenses could exceed thousands of euros, according to Verivox expert Aljoscha Ziller.
As discussions around mandatory natural disaster insurance gain momentum, particularly in high-risk regions, the focus is on creating a system that is both affordable and effective in addressing the growing risks associated with climate change.
Implementing a uniform system nationwide would help reduce the protection gap, which remains substantial despite the growing need for comprehensive coverage. Moreover, achieving regional harmonization is crucial to aligning with broader EU strategies aimed at reducing the protection gap and enhancing catastrophe resilience.
Despite the challenges ahead, the collective sentiment among homeowners and tenants suggests a readiness to support measures that safeguard properties against natural disasters. As negotiations continue, striking a balance between affordability, sustainability, and effectiveness will be key to ensuring a comprehensive and effective insurance policy for natural disasters across Germany.
- To address the affordability concerns and ensure sustainable implementation, the community policy for mandatory natural disaster insurance may consider offering vocational training programs for businesses in the finance sector, aiming to reduce insurance costs through improved risk assessment and management.
- In addition to the mandatory insurance policy, the community could also explore potential avenues for vocational training in the field of disaster risk reduction and climate change resilience, providing homeowners with the necessary skills to adapt to the increasing frequency of natural disasters and thus reducing their reliance on insurance coverage.
