As of September 30, 2024, in response to the floods in southern Poland, insurance companies have paid full compensations, uncontested amounts, or advances to 42,500 [updated as of October 10, 2024] owners of damaged homes and apartments, the Polish Chamber of Insurance said.

This was achieved through the mobilization of insurers and a decision to simplify the claims process for the victims. Many companies have extended their customer service hours and dispatched mobile expert teams to affected areas. Some have even utilized drones to quickly assess damages in hard-to-reach places, implementing a streamlined, faster claims process for flood-related damage.

Insurers have processed and settled 42,500 property damage claims—either fully or as advances or uncontested amounts. Thanks to efficient organization, the first payout decisions were made by Sunday, September 15. The companies remain well-prepared for continued emergency operations and aim to maintain the same pace of support for those affected in the coming days.

Southern Poland continues to battle the aftermath of the floods. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, 749 towns have been declared disaster zones, with an estimated 57,000 people directly affected by the flooding.

The government has also released data on the damage to property, reporting that over 11,000 residential buildings, 6,000 agricultural properties, and more than 700 public-use facilities have been damaged or flooded due to the disaster.

What does the simplified claims procedure involve?

Insurance companies assess the extent of damage to structures, fixed elements, and household contents. Based on photos and descriptions from victims, they make an initial assessment of the damage and may propose an advance or uncontested compensation amount (the first installment). Determining the final compensation amount might require further inspections, expert evaluations, or additional documents. Not all damages may be visible at first glance, and detailed examinations could be necessary. Each claim is treated individually, and policyholders are encouraged to contact their insurers if they have any doubts or questions.

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Storm Boris hovered over southwestern Poland, where it dropped in three days almost half a year worth of rain. Some places saw more than 400 mm (16 in) of torrential rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and tornadoes. Boris struck Opole Voivodeship and Lower Silesia, leading to flooding on 14–16 September. Ten people were reported dead as a result of the floods, with thousands displaced and between 50–70 thousand left without electricity.