ROMA. Calamities and natural catastrophes, together with illnesses and injuries, scare an ever-increasing number of Italians who feel unprepared to manage the risks. But not even fear pushes them to take out insurance policies to protect themselves from damage, given that only 28% have purchased onewhile 40% have no intention of paying to insure against flood damage and other disasters.
The survey conducted by the Piepoli Institute on behalf of the Union for the Defense of Consumers (Udicon) describes a rather gloomy picture of Italians’ economic expectations. The percentage of those who expect their financial situation to worsen in the next six months rises to 18%, by two points compared to the last survey, with 61% of those interviewed defining the possibility of future savings as little or zero. Thus, as regards risk management, 30% of Italians declare that they are unprepared (“I just hope they don’t understand” the answer), while 35% responded that they will only be able to rely on the money set aside.
Due to economic constraints or just cultural resistance, just 28% have taken out an insurance policy, with 40% declaring that they have absolutely no intention of paying for insurance against natural catastrophes.
“The management of unexpected risks, such as illnesses or natural disasters, sees 35% of Italians relying on their savings, while only 28% have taken out an insurance policy. This – he underlines Martina Donini, national president of Udicon – highlights the need for greater awareness and greater trust in insurance products, considered useful by over half of those interviewed. In an increasingly uncertain world, it is essential that Italians understand the importance of preparing to face any unexpected events, both through saving and insurance.”
After the Bologna flood last September, the Minister for Civil Protection and Maritime Policies, Nello Musumeci, had launched the idea of compulsory anti-catastrophe insurance for homes too, following the obligation already introduced for businesses. But controversy had sparked in the majority, with the League strongly against the hypothesis. The topic is destined to remain central given that, Ania data in hand, between floods and landslides, last year the historic maximum of insured damages was recorded, equal to 6 billion euros.
Donini also explains that 40% of those interviewed would be willing to pay for a policy against natural disasters but only if the cost was affordable. For this reason “a regulatory intervention is needed to make these insurance instruments more accessible and transparent”, he concludes.
