Insured New Year's Eve damage: private damage relatively low, business tens of millions

"The figures give a mixed picture. In addition to the healthy celebrations, there was excessive violence against aid workers. And in the run-up to New Year's Eve, a lot of damage due to arson, including cars, and a lot of vandalism. Nevertheless, the insured private damage around the turn of the year seems to be relatively minor. It may be that reports come in even later, but this is the first tentative picture," says Richard Weurding, general manager of the Dutch Association of Insurers.

Business fire damage tens of millions
In addition to private damage, there were also a number of larger commercial incidents, such as the fire in the Vondelkerk in Amsterdam, various industrial fires in Hillegom and Noord-Scharwoude and a large fire in a flat building in Rotterdam and a parking garage in Hellevoetsluis. The costs of this collectively run into tens of millions of euros, the Association expects.

First aid in case of damage
Around the turn of the year, Stichting Salvage received a record number of reports (142). It concerns seven very large fires, eight large fires, 57 medium fires, 65 small fires, four water damage and an explosion. On behalf of the joint fire insurers in the Netherlands, Stichting Salvage provides first aid to all victims of damage to buildings due to fire, lightning, explosion, water, storm and/or collision

In the reports of Salvage, the number of fireworks-related damage cases is also increasing, 77 of which during the turn of the year. More than half (54%) of the total number of reports are fireworks-related: the highest percentage in the past ten years. 172 homes were damaged, 54 of which were seriously. Four houses have been destroyed. Most reports came from the province of South Holland, especially the Haaglanden region.

Total fireworks ban
Weurding is worried about the coming New Year's Eve, despite the announced general fireworks ban. He argues for a national plan of action: "If you ban something, you also have to make sure that everyone adheres to it. This will only succeed if the police and the judiciary together have a clear enforcement plan. This way they can really intervene, and we prevent damage and a lot of suffering."

Insured damage at the turn of the year (2024/2025) has so far been paid out for 15.5 million euros. Research by the Association shows that a future total fireworks ban could save more than 5 million euros annually. This does not include the costs for, for example, public property (including schools), industrial fires and other business damage and (emergency) care. The final, validated amount of damages from last New Year's Eve will be published by the Association later this year when all claims are known. 

The estimate is limited to insured damage that is covered by private building, contents and car insurance (all-risk and limited casco). Medical costs and damage amounts for companies, schools/nurseries and government property are not known and are not included in this estimate. The actual damage at the turn of the year 2025/2026 is therefore significantly higher due to medical costs, claims on business insurance and damage to uninsured government property.  

Insured claims previous 10 New Year's Eves

Number of Salvage reports over the past 10 New Year's Eves