Only 25% of properties and infrastructure are insured against natural disasters
Only around 25% of Portugal’s properties and infrastructure are insured against natural disasters, a weakness exposed by a recent week of severe storms. Material damages are still being assessed while major multi-risk insurers — notably Fidelidade, Generali Tranquilidade and Ageas — are accelerating claims handling on the ground. The low insurance penetration highlights underinsurance and significant fiscal and economic exposure, creating both reputational and commercial opportunities for insurers to expand coverage. Analysts say the event underscores the need for faster claims processes, clearer public–private risk-sharing mechanisms, targeted incentives to raise uptake, and investments in resilience and risk mapping as climate-driven extreme weather becomes more frequent.
