GVB: fewer claims, successful campaign
In the first half of the year, Bern Building Insurance recorded a decline in fire and natural hazards claims. This was despite the fact that storms caused considerable damage in several regions, according to the GVB. It is encouraging that more and more homeowners are installing lightning protection systems.
The fire and natural hazard claims of the Bern Building Insurance (GVB) amounted to 27.2 million Swiss francs in the first half of 2016 compared to 35 million in the same period of the previous year. Building damage amounting to 16.4 million Swiss francs (2015: 20.5 million) was caused by fires and damage of 10.8 million Swiss francs (2015: 14.5 million) as a result of natural hazards, according to GVB's accounts.
Destructive storms
Severe thunderstorms occurred in individual regions of the canton of Bern, resulting in major damage to buildings. According to information, thunderstorms on May 28/29, 2016, caused damage of more than Fr. 7.6 million. At Fr. 5.3 million, hail damage accounted for the lion's share, followed by flood damage of Fr. 1.4 million. 164 losses due to lightning strikes were registered according to the GVB, several of which triggered fires.
Lightning protection systems on the rise
The accumulation of severe thunderstorms with lightning strikes is probably one of the reasons why homeowners are increasingly equipping their property with a lightning protection system, as the GVB suspects. However, the prevention campaign of the Bern building insurance and the corresponding echo in the media would also make an important contribution to the growing risk awareness. For example, in the first three months of the campaign up to the end of June, GVB was already able to accept 52 voluntarily installed lightning protection systems and co-finance them as part of the prevention campaign. Many homeowners have decided at short notice to install a lightning protection system in the course of ongoing new construction or conversion projects and to benefit from the financial support provided by the GVB, as the latter writes. This also pleased local craftsmen, who received an additional order volume of around 350,000 Swiss francs.
For most property owners, investing in a lightning protection system is a long-term project. Due to the strong interest, the GVB has decided to extend the support campaign until at least the end of 2017.
Fire protection for refugees
For several years now, the GVB has been making great efforts to ensure fire safety in the asylum sector. In addition to the semi-annual inspection of the fire protection measures in all 51 current accommodations, it now also organizes regular evacuation exercises. It also advises the authorities on fire safety when planning new accommodation. With its commitment to the safety of refugees, the canton of Bern plays a leading role in Switzerland, according to the building insurance company.
