Storm Ciarán caused extensive damage to houses, cars and gardens. The Tilburg-based non-life insurer Interpolis has so far received eight hundred damage reports from private individuals and dozens of reports from companies.
This concerns reports from all over the Netherlands, but there are no specific figures for Brabant yet.
“These are mainly reports of damage to fences and roofs. And a number of reports of damage to cars due to broken branches or falling trees,” said an Interpolis spokesperson.
The number of companies reporting damage is not too bad. “These reports often come later. Companies often first go into action mode, limiting the damage, and then contact the insurer later.”
Interpolis does not yet know the extent of the financial damage. The Dutch Association of Insurers has made an estimate based on statistical historical data. The damage is expected to amount to 15 million euros nationally. There are no Brabant figures, according to a spokesperson for the Association.
It may take weeks before the real damage figures are released. “Victims must first report this to their own insurer and only later will we receive those figures.”
Storm Poly was more damaging
However, the damage is not too bad, according to the estimate. Interpolis confirms this. “During storm Poly in July, we received three times as many reports. So in terms of damage, Ciarán is not too bad,” said the Interpolis spokesperson.
The damage could be even less if people prepare for the storm. “We had a flash survey conducted on Thursday. Sixty percent of respondents are not preparing for the storm despite the weather forecasts, even if their region is going to be hit.”
Advice has been given in advance. “Move your car if it is under a tree, check whether the fence is loose. But too few people take preventive measures while they can prevent damage themselves,” says Interpolis.
In this video you can see how storm Ciarán passed over the province: