As the anniversary of the devastating floods in Pas-de-Calais approaches, many victims still face insurance challenges, with premiums skyrocketing for residents and local governments. The town of Blendecques grapples with severe increases in costs, prompting concerns about future coverage. While some residents express gratitude for their insurance support, others, like Amandine Broussart, struggle with insufficient repair estimates. The rising costs of climate-related claims and changes in public policy further complicate the insurance landscape for flood-affected areas.
Challenges Faced by Flood Victims in Pas-de-Calais
As the one-year mark approaches since the devastating floods in Pas-de-Calais, many victims have received compensation for their losses. However, a significant number are still struggling with ongoing insurance issues, while both residents and local governments are grappling with soaring insurance premiums. “Experiencing floods three times last year, only to face a staggering increase of 100,000 euros in insurance premiums, feels like a double blow,” remarks Jean-Christophe Castelain, the deputy mayor of Blendecques, a town with a population of about 5,000, situated along the Aa river.
Last winter, flooding from this river severely impacted the town, inundating 16 out of 24 municipal buildings. In September, the local insurer initially announced the termination of the town’s contract, followed by a drastic hike in the deductible from 100,000 to 500,000 euros, and an increase in the premium from 47,000 euros to over 141,000 euros—an amount equivalent to the annual salary of three municipal employees.
Insurance Market Struggles Amid Rising Flood Risks
The town hall is optimistic about securing a more affordable insurance contract for 2026, but concerns grow as many insurance providers seem reluctant to engage in the market. “From what we hear, many market contracts are falling through as insurers fail to respond,” shares Jean-Christophe Castelain. In the nearby municipality of Saint-Étienne-au-Mont, insurance premiums have also surged, rising from 45,000 to 79,000 euros.
As Brittany braces for potential centennial floods, the increasing risk of flooding due to climate change and urban development underscores the critical importance of insurance. Jean-François Raffy, the delegated sub-prefect overseeing reconstruction in Pas-de-Calais, has intervened in various specific cases, including that of Blendecques, to prevent contract terminations. Individuals have faced similar challenges, with reports of terminations affecting about fifteen residents of Blendecques due to multiple claims. Others have had to renegotiate their policies, encountering increases of 30% to 40% in premiums, according to Michèle Lamal, secretary of an association for flood victims in Blendecques. Despite these challenges, the Central Pricing Office has not received any files concerning natural disaster claims from Pas-de-Calais, suggesting that residents in flood-affected areas may still have access to insurance options.
Among those interviewed, many expressed a mix of gratitude for their insurance support and resignation to the rising premiums. “It’s not ideal, but it makes sense,” states Jean-Michel Roland from Andres, whose home insurance premium increased from 514 to 597 euros. “The insurance covered 6,000 to 7,000 euros in repairs for my home,” he adds, acknowledging the influence of climate change on the situation.
Conversely, Amandine Broussart, a 41-year-old resident of Blendecques, faces a much tougher reality. After her newly purchased home was flooded with 80 cm of water, her insurer estimates the necessary repairs at 9,000 euros, while she believes the actual cost is closer to 30,000 euros. This disagreement has left her in limbo, living in her parents’ old house—set for demolition due to its location in a flood-prone area. “Every day is filled with stress and the need for repeated quotes,” she laments. Yet, her experience, though painful, remains a minority scenario.
According to the federation France Assureurs, out of 37,000 claims totaling 430 million euros, 330 million euros have already been disbursed, with 87% of claims now resolved. Yves Lecompte, the federation’s regional representative, refrains from commenting on premium hikes but emphasizes their recommendation against canceling insurance for those affected by repeated flooding. He also highlights the exponential rise in costs associated with climate-related claims, now reaching approximately six billion euros annually, with projections indicating a further 40% increase by 2050.
In light of these challenges, public authorities have adjusted the contribution from home insurance contracts to the natural disaster compensation scheme, raising it from 12% to 20% as of January 1. “Insurance rates remained stable and even underestimated from 2010 to 2020, and now, the increase is quite abrupt,” analyzes Alain Chrétien, vice-president of the Association of Mayors of France, who co-authored a report on this issue, noting that around 1,500 municipalities in France have lost their insurance coverage.