GVZ: fewer loss events
The building insurance of the Canton of Zurich recorded a long-term low in damage. This was possible because the canton was spared major storms and fire damage.
The GVZ Gebäudeversicherung Kanton Zürich recorded a total of 3,204 claims notifications amounting to CHF 38.2 million in 2016. This is one third fewer notifications than in the previous year. In 2016, natural hazard claims fell for the third year in a row.
Wless fire damage
The total of 1,340 reported fire claims amounted to 33.7 million Swiss francs, a decrease of 15.4 million Swiss francs compared to the previous year. Two of the three fire losses in excess of one million francs occurred in the month of December. Among them was the highest loss of 2.6 million Swiss francs. Furthermore, the average number of losses remained constant at around 100 events per month.
Another below-average year for natural hazards losses
Likewise, with 1,864 reported cases, natural hazard damage is 1,616 cases lower than in the previous year and amounts to CHF 4.5 million. In 2016, only two natural hazard damage cases occurred with a damage amount of more than CHF 100,000. Even though the number and compensation amount of natural hazard claims decreased compared to 2016, it should not be overlooked that natural hazard claims are unpredictable and the long-term trend is upwards, as GVZ emphasizes.
Targeted prevention
However, large-scale storms such as hail, heavy precipitation and windstorms can still occur every year. For this reason, GVZ prepares itself for a major loss event and has been actively promoting preventive measures to protect buildings for years. Through targeted prevention, natural hazard damage to buildings can be reduced or even prevented. Effective prevention protects property and prevents troublesome procedures in the event of damage.
The free service "Weather Alarm" already informs more than 200,000 users in the canton of Zurich via SMS or smartphone app about upcoming storms in Switzerland. By means of the system "Hail protection - simply automatic", users can hail sensitive slat blinds be sustainably protected. More information on the topic of protecting buildings against natural hazards is provided by the information platform developed by the cantonal building insurers www.schutz-vor-naturgefahren.ch.
Press release GVZ
