The Importance of a Strong Insurance Culture in a Climate-Challenged World
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Article written by:
Guardian Insurance MX
Published October 22, 2024
Services | Insurance
Climate-Challenged World
From extreme heatwaves and droughts to torrential rains, cyclones, and early-arriving hurricanes, climate change has impacted cities and countries around the world. This has led to greater uncertainty in society, as the possibility of losing one’s assets overnight has become more critical than ever before.
A strong insurance culture can be the key to ensuring that individuals and businesses can recover quickly after a natural disaster.
The Impact of Climate Change on Assets
As climate change intensifies, assets such as cars, homes, businesses, and more are increasingly vulnerable to damage. The unpredictability of natural disasters makes it essential for individuals to have proper insurance coverage.
Current situation in Mexico
According to the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred, for its acronym in Spanish), coastal cities account for 81% of the total damage caused by natural disasters, highlighting the importance of individuals being adequately protected to recover from or mitigate the costs of unexpected events.
In 2023, Mexico experienced 11 hurricanes between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, marking one of the most active seasons in the past 50 years, according to data provided by the National Water Commission (Conagua for its acronym in Spanish).
Norma Alicia Rosas, current General Director of AMIS (Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions for its acronym in Spanish), stated in a press conference that as of May 31 of this year, insurance companies had covered just over $38,451 million Pesos, which translates to around $2 billion USD.
Global and Economic Outlook
According to Ernst Rauch, Chief Climate and Geo Scientist at MunichRe, losses from catastrophic events now amount to around $100 billion USD, annually. Considering that these numbers are only from insured assets, the actual amount of the damage is much, much greater.
Consequences for Uninsured Individuals
Hundreds of thousands of claims are reported following a catastrophic event. However, only a minority of those affected have insurance to cover the damages caused by natural disasters. Meanwhile, the vast majority will have to dip into their savings to try to recover their assets, which, in many cases, took decades to build.
It’s also true that many people without insurance, or a plan b, may never recover financially after a catastrophe.
Conclusion: The Value of Insurance in an Uncertain Future
As climate change continues to pose risks, adopting effective preventive measures and fostering a robust insurance culture can make all the difference. At Guardian Insurance MX, we encourage you to contact a trusted insurance broker to ensure your assets are adequately protected. Having insurance can safeguard your financial future.
At Guardian Insurance MX, we recommend contacting your trusted broker to ensure your assets are well protected. Having or not having insurance can make a world of difference for your future and that of your family.