Swiss hailstorm shatters records with 1.5 billion franc damage estimate
A hailstorm on August 28 caused roughly 1.5 billion francs in damage across Switzerland, affecting over 100,000 cars and extensive building loss.
A powerful supercell-driven hailstorm on August 28 swept across central Switzerland, from Bern and Solothurn across Aargau to Zürich, Thurgau and Schaffhausen, producing hail up to eight centimeters. The event generated an unprecedented 1.5 billion franc loss, the largest hail-related claim in Swiss history. Private insurers are liable for close to one billion francs, while the cantonal building insurance (Gebäudeversicherung des Kantons Zürich) estimates around 500 million francs, with its own assessment for Zürich rising to at least 200 million francs.
Over 100,000 automobiles suffered damage, including hundreds declared total losses, and numerous structures—roofs, windows, sunshades and photovoltaic panels—were damaged. In the Zürich region, about 40 people, mostly children, were injured by large hailstones. Insurers such as Axa are scanning damaged cars, and the Zürich electricity provider notes that impact angle and micro-cracks explain why some solar modules survived while neighboring ones were destroyed.
Why it matters
The storm's record losses strain insurers and homeowners, highlighting vulnerability to extreme weather.
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