Flood risk in Baden-Württemberg: How to protect your home!

Flood risk in Baden-Württemberg: How to protect your home!

In May and June 2024 there were devastating floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, which cost several people. According to the overall association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV), the enormous rains led to insured damage of around two billion euros in both federal states. Around 55,000 addresses in Baden-Württemberg are particularly at risk of flooding, with the district of Rastatt having most endangered locations. These alarming numbers illustrate the need for comprehensive flood protection, especially in view of the forecast risks of a record -breaking heat summer in 2025.

In order to adapt new construction projects to the increasing flood risks, several measures should be considered. The choice of the property should take into account flood risks, which is why locations should be avoided near the river or flood areas. Furthermore, the GDV recommends that new buildings to be built or modeling the area accordingly. The massive construction and the securing of roofs are also crucial to withstand the force of extreme weather events.

prevention and insurance

Ensuring optimal flood protection is not only a question of construction technology, but also of insurance. In Baden-Württemberg, 94 percent of the buildings are equipped with elementary damage insurance, but this is often not covered by traditional household or building insurance. It is important for owners to find out more about the various insurance options, since conventional policies often do not offer protection against flood damage, especially if the increase in such extreme events due to climate change is becoming more and more likely.

The conditions for insurance companies change significantly. Alexander Küsel from the GDV is concerned about the effects of climate change: "Without prevention, the residential building insurance premium could double itself through climate change." Therefore, adjustment of the regulations and a three-pillar model made of climate compensation, insurance and risk division between insurers and the state is necessary. Küsel also demands a construction freezer in flood areas where around 2,000 new houses are built annually.

nationwide flood protection

At the federal level, the responsibility for flood protection lies in the federal states, while the federal government has to coordinate the legal framework and provide financial support. The immediate program for climate adjustment comprises 60 million euros to improve climate provision in the municipalities. Particular attention is also paid to heavy rain management and the renaturation of rivers to reduce the dangers of flooding.

The action program for natural climate protection aims to better control large amounts of water and this requires extensive data analyzes and forecasts via heavy rain events. A national flood protection program that has existed since 2013 includes measures to protect large river areas such as the Danube and the Rhine. These must be checked and adapted continuously.

Remove flood protection is indispensable, since technical flood protection alone cannot offer absolute security against extreme weather events. The current climatic changes are calling for a rethink and the use of new, innovative solutions.

For the construction industry, the insurance industry and the authorities, it is now time to develop strategies together in order to minimize future damage caused by floods and other weather extremes. The time for preventive measures and comprehensive risk provision has come.

Further information on the topics of flood protection and insurance can be found in the reports of SWR , mdr and Federal Government .