Climate change disrupts short-term insurance industry

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Viability of agri-business insurance

This year, South Africa is experiencing extreme drought which will again result in punishing losses to the farming community and insurers. The volatility of climate change, increased frequency and severity of natural events will again force insurers to re-evaluate the viability of continuing to insure agricultural crop business.

Climate change has resulted in more severe 'electrical' storms, especially in the Highveld area of the country. This has resulted in increased lightning damage and fire losses to property. Insurers have responded with a consumer education campaign informing them how to prevent damage from lightning strikes.

Climate change has also seen an increase in the frequency and severity of hail storms. In 2012, the industry recorded six significant catastrophic events in the last five months of the year. This increase in frequency of severe hail storms causing serious damage in built-up areas, not experienced before, caused losses in motor and property portfolios.

In November 2013, one significant hail storm was experienced across most of Gauteng. The losses experienced by the insurance industry from this single event surpassed the cumulative losses sustained from the six events of 2012. To mitigate future damage and thus potential insurance losses, insurers have started proactively informing clients of expected hail storm activity, so that preventative measures can be taken to reduce losses.

Property damage

Global warming is causing sea levels to rise, increasing the risk of damaging flooding during potent coastal storms. This has a notable impact on properties in low-lying coastal which also face the risk of shoreline erosion and degradation. The Southern Cape has been identified as one of the regions where rising sea levels could pose a future threat.

In 2014, the Cape region experienced raging fires caused by a combination of high winds and an arid landscape. The fires swept uncontrollably across vast areas causing damage to property although, in this instance, the industry did not incur significant losses.

The insurance industry has reacted positively and, indeed, proactively to these events: future strategies of insurers have been altered and consumer education campaigns have been rolled out to prevent future losses. In addition, collaboration initiatives with government, municipalities and farmers have begun to address threats and sustainable new practices.

Climate change not only brings risks, but opportunity too. A move to green energy will see new installations requiring insurance while there will be demand for creative solutions for covering losses due to climate change. Insurance companies that embrace climate change will be in the best position to benefit and grow revenues.