“Record-breaking hailstorms in France lead to unprecedented payouts by insurer Groupama”

It all happened in two episodes. In two hailstorms, in May and June 2022, the Center-Atlantique regional mutual of Groupama, which brings together ten departments*, paid the equivalent of 30% of the annual contributions of its policyholders. Never seen. Over the year 2022, 170 million euros in compensation were granted following damage to buildings and vehicles. In comparison, the storm Xynthia represented a cost of 90 million euros for the insurer in 2010.

« The year 2022 was exceptional in terms of the extent of the loss experience. The hailstones that fell in Indre, Deux-Sèvres and Vienne [les 22 et 23 mai, ndlr] were the size of an apple “, mimics Sylvain Merlus, CEO of Groupama Centre-Atlantique, which has 360,000 policyholders and 1,500 employees.

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The other episode of hail occurred on June 20, affecting the departments of Dordogne, Gironde and Charente-Maritime. Of a violence there also rarely observed, the event was expensive. Over the year, the first two departments mentioned received 100 million euros in compensation out of the 170 paid by the regional fund in the ten departments. In 2021, only two million euros had been paid to Girondin policyholders.

If the increase in the frequency of hail episodes is not recorded by scientists, that of floods and droughts is on the other hand well announced. “We must take this development into account, there are discussions with the public authorities on the natural disaster regime”evokes Sylvain Merlus, with in mind the bill of the deputy EELV Sandrine Rousseau.

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Turnover up

According to a report by France Assureurs published in October 2021, the amount of damage caused by natural hazards would reach 143 billion euros in France between 2020 and 2050. That is an increase of 93% compared to the previous thirty years, partly caused by climate change. The impact on contracts seems inevitable.

« It is certain that the insurance premiums will cost more “Acknowledges the director general without hesitation. “If we have more compensation, we will need more bonuses. » Last year, the insurer intervened on claims of more than five million euros related to business operating losses.

Despite a stormy year, the regional mutual recorded a turnover up by 2.5% to 751.7 million euros, for a consolidated result of 4.4 million euros. A favorable dynamic that allows the insurer to pursue a permanent recruitment campaign in departmental agencies. A few months ago, more than 700 Girondin employees took possession of their new workplace: a 15,000m² building located in Mérignac.

Created by Cogedim, the new headquarters of Groupama will bring together its 730 Bordeaux employees

* Charente, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne, Gironde, Indre, Lot-et-Garonne, Deux-Sèvres, Vendée, Vienne, Haute-Vienne.