In the event of large-scale events, it is not always immediately clear what is and is not insured. Every calamity is different and requires a careful assessment of the coverage based on the specific circumstances and policy conditions. For example:
In order to be able to act quickly and unambiguously in these situations, the sector has made agreements and developed instruments. These concern the insurability of (large-scale) calamities, decision-making and communication about coverage and claims settlement.
Protocol for large-scale calamities
This protocol is a step-by-step plan for insurers on mutual decision-making and coordination in the event of an (un)foreseen disaster or large-scale calamity. It provides guidance in situations where clarity is needed quickly, even in the event of new or unexpected events. For example, on the question of whether there is (collective) coverage and whether the molestation clause, for example, is invoked.
The Protocol on Large-Scale Calamities is currently active because of the situation in the Middle East.
Scenario Fire
The Draaiboek Coördinatie bij grootschalige calamiteiten (brandverzekeringen) helps to coordinate the processes in the event of a disaster. It regulates the practical cooperation between insurers, so that the handling of claims in the case of home and contents insurance in particular can be carried out efficiently. The scenario was drawn up in response to the fireworks disaster in Enschede (2000) and was revised in 2026. Calamiteitenplan Reconditionering Nederland is also part of this.
Molest is damage that occurs in conflict situations. According to the Financial Supervision Act (Wft), non-life insurers with their registered office in the Netherlands are not allowed to insure claims caused by or arising from major acts of violence. Damage caused by minor acts of war is covered in many cases.
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Great molestation
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Small molestation
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Insurers who are allowed to insure acts of violence
The prohibition does not apply to mutual insurers (mutual insurance companies in the Netherlands and abroad) that specifically focus on damage caused by, or arising from, an armed conflict, civil war, rebellion, internal disturbances, riots and mutiny. Marine, transport, aviation and travel insurance companies are also allowed to insure molestation risks with the generally customary molestation clauses as long as the Dutch Central Bank does not object to this.
Hybrid threat is a strategy in which countries or terrorist organisations/criminal networks use different means. Think of acts of terrorism, cyber attacks, disinformation, economic pressure and sometimes military actions. The goal is to disrupt a society without openly waging war.
Cybercrime
Insurers take maatregelen tegen cybercriminaliteit so that they are more resistant to ICT failures and cyber attacks. Read the Cyber page about cyber insurance.
Terrorism
In the event of a terrorist attack, the material and immaterial damage can be so great that an insurer cannot bear it alone. That is why (re)insurers and reinsurers and the government set up the Nederlandse Herverzekeringsmaatschappij voor Terrorisme (NHT) in 2003. Participating insurers will be compensated for damages caused by a terrorist attack up to an amount of €1 billion per year. In this way, the risk of terrorism remains insurable. Watch the Q&A over terrorisme en verzekeren.
For business goods and transport insurance, increased risks can occur, such as war or strikes. These risks are usually included separately in the policy conditions through clauses. Insurers use the clauses to determine when additional conditions or exclusions apply. It ensures that insurers can respond to rapidly changing risks.
Details for policies taken out under Dutch law:
In the case of policies taken out under English law, insurers can terminate the clauses in the policy about the war risk and the striker's risk prematurely with a notice period of seven days.
Since March 1, Israel and the United States have been carrying out attacks on Iran. There are also Iranian missile attacks in the region, including in Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
The situation in Ukraine is still critical and the impact on trade flows is significant. The country has been designated as a war zone, just like Russia, Belarus and large parts of the Black Sea. Various exclusions may apply to insurance policies. The sanctions issued have an effect on insured persons and on how insurers should deal with laws and regulations.
Dutch soldiers
The following applies to Dutch military personnel who are deployed on peacekeeping or humanitarian missions or operations: een speciale regeling.
Investing in defence
Europe needs to strengthen its defence industry. That is why the sector, led by the Dutch Association of Insurers, has held roundtable discussions with stakeholders to explore the possibilities for financing and investments in the defence industry.
The most important outcome is that investments are only possible if the government ensures careful and demonstrable due diligence. The sector remains in consultation about this and calls for rapid clarity on suitable investment opportunities. Read the paper for all the results.
