Floods and earthquakes dominated Asia’s catastrophe losses in 2025, underscoring challenges linked to urbanisation, exposure growth and risk assessment, according to Swiss Re.
The updated figure is built from high-resolution postcode loss data across property and motor hull lines, and includes maximum estimated hail size at postcode level.
Insured losses from the event were estimated at US$300m, as global economic losses reached US$37bn, 43% below the 21st-century average and the lowest since 2015.
Insurers brace for complex multi-event claims as Vaianu cuts power to 5,000 homes and forces coastal evacuations across Northland, Waikato and Hawke's Bay.
Review says 71% of New Zealanders expect natural disasters to worsen, while 65% accept premiums may rise as weather losses and rebuilding costs increase.
