Damage claims from house fires continues to decrease; More caused by charging batteries

Insurers received 46,923 claims for damages from house fires last year, compared to almost 52,000 in 2023. This number has been decreasing for several years. The number of housefires caused by charging batteries, however, is on the rise, the Dutch Association of Insurers (VVV) reported.

Last year, 5 percent of house fires were likely caused by a battery from an electric bicycle, tool, toy, tablet, or mobile phone, up from 3 percent in 2023. Because there are more electric bicycles and scooters in the Netherlands, the number of fires caused by charging batteries is also increasing, the insurers said.

The VVV urged Netherlands residents not to use cheap, counterfeit chargers from online stores like AliExpress. “You’re asking for trouble if you buy this kind of equipment,” general manager Richard Weurding said. He urged people to use the original charger, which is often included with a device. According to him, this reduces the risk of accidents, fires, and injuries.

The total amount paid out by insurers for fire damage last year was €220 million, approximately €4,700 per claim. In 2023, the total amount was €289 million.

According to the VVV, 46 percent of last year’s house fires were caused by people. “We are pleased that the number of fire claims is decreasing, but prevention and awareness remain important. Smoke detectors are important, but so are other preventive measures,” Wuerding said.

Short circuits caused 14 percent of last year’s house fires. Broken or malfunctioning appliances caused approximately 9 percent.