The severe thunderstorms with hail over the past weekend have caused substantial damage to horticultural businesses, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia. Initial estimates put the total losses in the seven-figure range.
After the hail: broken glass lies among the tomatoes in the greenhouse.
On Saturday, 31 May 2025, severe weather systems with heavy thunderstorms, intense rainfall, and hail swept across large parts of North Rhine-Westphalia. The southern half of the state and the Lower Rhine region were especially hard hit.
To date, the horticultural mutual insurance provider Gartenbau-Versicherung has received damage reports from more than 100 businesses. Outdoor crops such as calluna and perennials have been particularly affected. Greenhouses have also sustained significant damage, including two major cases involving widespread destruction of glazing. According to preliminary estimates, total losses are expected to reach seven figures.
"Our members face enormous financial and emotional challenges in the wake of such events – whether due to destroyed crops, damaged greenhouses, or the disruption of planned deliveries. Our aim is to support them quickly and with minimal bureaucracy," says Dennis Hölzer, Head of National Sales at Gartenbau-Versicherung.
Since the weekend, risk assessors from Gartenbau-Versicherung have been working across regions to conduct damage assessments as swiftly as possible. This is essential to ensure rapid claims settlement and compensation payments.
Gartenbau-Versicherung is in close contact with the affected member businesses and is treating the processing of these claims as an utmost priority.
For more information:
www.gevau.de