Dutch insurers report more than 1,000 claims after storms

Insurers in the Netherlands had received more than 1,000 claims by Monday morning after storms swept across the country in recent days, with reported damage to homes and cars.

Achmea insurers Interpolis and Centraal Beheer had received about 1,000 claims between them, a company spokeswoman said. Nationale-Nederlanden reported “just under 500”, according to a spokesperson. The figures are approximate and reflect reports received by those insurers, not a national total.

The strong winds damaged homes and cars, including vehicles hit by falling trees. Interpolis and Centraal Beheer said leaves blown onto roofs, particularly flat roofs, could block gutters and drains. If heavy rain follows, water may then enter homes and cause leaks and other damage.

The Netherlands experienced Storm Boelo over the weekend, described in the report as the first official autumn storm of the year. Storm Austen crossed the country on Friday but did not meet the criteria to be officially classified as a storm. Recent wind damage and disruption across the Netherlands were also reported earlier this week.