Winter weather triggers surge in vehicle and property damage claims across Netherlands

Dutch insurers are reporting a sharp rise in damage claims linked to winter weather, with more vehicles sliding off roads and growing concern about roof damage and leaks as snow begins to melt.

Nationale-Nederlanden (NN) said damage claims involving cars insured by private customers were running between 25 percent and 30 percent higher than normal.

“Think of cars skidding or jackknifed trucks,” a spokesperson for the insurer said. The company operates under several brands, including Nationale-Nederlanden, ING Verzekeringen, OHRA, ASN Verzekeringen and ABN AMRO Verzekeringen.

Interpolis also reported a higher-than-usual number of claims, though it did not provide figures. According to a spokesperson, the increase is mainly due to reports of “snow load,” where accumulated snow on flat roofs becomes so heavy that it causes damage. This led to problems at greenhouses belonging to several glasshouse horticulture businesses in the south and west of the Netherlands, the insurer said.

Univé said it has received 78 damage reports since Sunday related to snow, storms and precipitation, primarily from customers with home insurance. The total damage reported so far amounts to 100,000 euros. Unlike NN, Univé has not yet seen a major deviation in the number of claims for vehicle body damage, though the insurer said that picture could still change.

Interpolis, NN and Univé all expect additional claims as temperatures rise and snow melts. Meltwater can cause damage to homes, for example when drainage systems do not function properly and water remains on roofs.