August 6, 2025|
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|4 months agoNatural disasters drive insurance losses to near-record levels
First half of 2025 sees $80 billion in insured losses globally, marking second-costliest period ever for insurers, Swiss Re Institute reports.
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Generated IllustrationKey Takeaways
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- Global insured losses from natural catastrophes reached $80 billion in the first half of 2025.
- Wildfires in Los Angeles in January 2025 caused approximately $40 billion in insured losses.
- Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes resulted in $31 billion in damages in the first half of 2025.
- Wildfires now account for 7% of all natural disaster damage, up from just 1% in 2015.
By The Numbers
$80 billion
Total insured losses (H1 2025)
16,000
Buildings destroyed
10x
Cost-effectiveness ratio
3-5
Forecasted major hurricanes
They Said
"Our studies show that flood protection measures such as dykes, dams and flood gates, for example, are up to ten times more cost-effective than reconstruction."