Natural Hazards Exposure Assessment
A natural hazards exposure assessment systematically evaluates locations for perils such as flood, earthquake, windstorm and hail, providing the basis for protection measures, limits and insurance structure.
Approach
For each location, hazard zones (for example cantonal hazard maps, seismic zoning, global tools such as Swiss Re CatNet) are combined with local factors: building elevation versus flood level, construction type, critical equipment in basements, backflow protection. The result is a set of scenarios with return periods and expected loss amounts.
Deriving measures
The analysis leads to structural measures (sealing, elevated installation of critical infrastructure), organisational preparedness (flood emergency plans, mobile barriers) and the risk-adequate structuring of sublimits and deductibles per peril and zone.
Relevance under climate change
Hazard patterns are shifting; historical data underestimates future frequencies. Periodic reassessment – especially for flood and hail – is increasingly expected by insurers and significantly influences capacity and price.