The link between climate adaptation and insurability in Sweden is becoming increasingly evident. The country’s water and sewage infrastructures are ageing and often unable to handle heavier rainfall and the changing climate. As a result, flood-related damages have been rising nationwide, putting growing pressure on insurers. Payouts for weather-related property losses have more than doubled over the past three decades, driven by flash floods, heavy rain, and sewer backflow events. As these hazards become more frequent, insurers are reassessing what constitutes 'sudden and unforeseen' damage; some have begun limiting coverage in areas where climate risks were overlooked during planning. Without substantial municipal investment in stormwater systems and tighter land-use controls, premiums are likely to continue rising and an increasing number of households may find affordable cover out of reach.




