Natural disasters and severe weather events led to more than ₡1 billion in payouts for damaged homes last year, data from the National Insurance Institute (INS) shows. The institute handled 342 claims from homeowners, totaling ₡1,039,170,709 in compensation.
These payments went to policyholders with what people often call fire insurance, though the coverage extends far beyond flames. It includes protection from floods, landslides, lightning, high winds, hurricanes, earthquakes, and theft. Without this safeguard, affected families would face the full cost of repairs or rebuilding on their own.
Fires topped the list of incidents, with 109 claims. Floods came next at 76, followed by 66 cases from strong winds. Lightning caused 55 claims, and landslides rounded out the total with 36. Alajuela saw the activity, with 116 claims making up 34% of the national figure. San José reported 69, Puntarenas 54, and Cartago had the fewest at nine.
Karla Huezo, deputy head of the INS general insurance directorate, highlighted the value of coverage. She said the start of a new year offers a chance to secure a family’s key asset. Renters, she added, can protect items like furniture and electronics under similar plans.
The numbers point to rising threats from shifting weather. Floods, winds, and landslides combined for over half the claims, reflecting heavier rains and stormier conditions. Homes in flood zones or on shaky ground face higher risks as patterns grow less predictable.
Fires remain a major issue, signaling potential gaps in wiring, building practices, or response efforts. Better safety measures could cut these numbers moving forward. Alajuela’s high claim count stands out, tied to its mix of expanding cities and countryside spots open to slides and overflows. Growth in such areas amplifies exposure.
On a broader scale, the data stresses insurance’s role in a nation where homes hold much of a household’s wealth. While 342 families got help, others without policies likely struggled alone after events. Officials call for more awareness on risks and coverage options, stricter rules on where and how people build, funding for prevention projects, and wider access to affordable plans.
The ₡1 billion spent last year captures the mounting toll of hazards in Costa Rica. As weather changes and communities expand, planning ahead financially matches the need for stronger structures and alerts.
