Flood experience and access to insurance contribute to differences in homeowners’ post-disaster adaptation in a cross-border region of Western Europe

Abstract

The July 2021 floods in Europe stand out as one of the most devastating flood-related disasters to impact the continent in recent years, affecting multiple countries at once. As climate change intensifies, such cross-border disasters are expected to become more frequent. Here we use unique cross-country survey data from flooded homeowners to understand the patterns and limits of how households in different nations respond to shared flood crises. We find evidence of financial, institutional, and psychological limits to household adaptation. Insurance compensation is associated with private adaptation actions shortly after flooding. Households that suffered flood damage are more likely to mitigate future risks to their homes. Yet, this intention encounters limits for extreme flood damage. Once experienced flood damages exceed a threshold of around 60% of the home reconstruction value, homeowners begin to view private adaptation efforts as less effective, prompting a shift toward relocating to safer areas.