Insurance is a key enabler of societal resilience. When climate-related damage occurs, If supports customers in rebuilding and recovering.
Oskar Storsjö, Head of Property Claims at If, explains how climate insight supports prevention and climate adaptation, while Benedicte Veum, Head of Property Claims in Norway, shows how preparedness and rapid response help limit damage when extreme weather strikes.
At If, climate adaptation is a joint effort built on shared experience, data-driven insight and close collaboration. By combining prevention, preparedness and fast response when extreme weather strikes, If helps reduce damage and strengthen resilience across society.
Oskar Storsjö, Head of Property Claims at If, shares how climate knowledge is put into action every day in claims handling – from early risk identification to rapid support when the unexpected happens.
“We see the effects of climate change in our claims data every year – from extreme storms to milder but more unpredictable weather patterns,” says Oskar Storsjö. “That gives us a responsibility, but also an opportunity, to reduce risk and strengthen preparedness in society.”
With extensive experience of weather-related claims, If has access to large amounts of data on climate risks and damage patterns. These insights are used both internally and shared on an aggregated level to support broader risk reduction efforts.
“By analyzing weather events and claims trends, we can help identify where risks are increasing and how damage can be prevented,” Oskar explains. “Sharing this knowledge is an important part of climate adaptation.”
Insurance also plays a key role in making climate risks visible and taken seriously. Through pricing, product design and dialogue with property owners and partners, If helps encourage preventive measures that reduce damage before it occurs. Climate adaptation is also a key communication area, where If runs campaigns and initiatives to put climate risks and prevention on the agenda.
“When risks are understood and managed, markets function better,” says Oskar. “Insurance creates incentives to build smarter, maintain properties better and invest in prevention.”
Even with strong preventive efforts, extreme weather events still occur. In those moments, speed, reliability and trust are critical.
“For many customers, we are the first point of contact when something serious happens – when they can’t stay in their home or need urgent help,” Oskar says. “Our task is to be there for our customers, offering the right support or advice and helping them forward.”
A fast first response, access to trusted partners and clear communication help minimize damage and support recovery. Digital solutions increasingly enable quicker handling, while personal contact remains essential in acute situations.
“Quick action can make a huge difference – securing a damaged roof or preventing further water damage,” Oskar adds. “It’s about reducing the total impact of the event. We’ve also learned to prioritize and communicate that clearly to customers.
The repair of a fallen garden fence can wait a bit longer than restoring a blown-away roof.”
The importance of preparedness, coordination and fast response became clear during storm Amy in Norway in October 2025. When the storm was upgraded to a red danger warning, the Meteorological Institute warned of major damage and risk to life. At If, preparations began early.
“Our experience prepared us well for storm Amy,” says Benedicte Veum, Head of Property Claims in Norway. “As soon as possible, our crisis coordination group gathered to assess the situation, call in extra staff for the weekend, and secure partner capacity across Norway. Although many weather alerts never escalate, this early mobilization ensured that we were fully ready when Amy hit with full force.”
Communication played a crucial role. If used its own channels – including social media, press and direct customer communication – to help people prepare ahead of the storm. During the most intense hours, from Saturday evening into Sunday, Property Claims organized extended shifts to keep response times fast. Teams handled a surge of cases: leaking roofs, blown-off tiles, flooded basements and fallen trees. Many employees volunteered to stay longer or step in on short notice.
Wind gusts reached hurricane strength, leaving around 120,000 households without power and blocking roads in several regions. Once the storm passed, emergency measures began immediately.
“Our customers were often relieved by how quickly we contacted them,” Benedicte says. “Together with our network of partners, we were able to offer rapid inspections and provide what we call initial claims aid – securing open roofs, preventing further water intrusion and stabilizing what’s needed. These steps are critical to limit secondary losses.”
By Monday, a new wave of claims was reported. Thanks to experienced colleagues and strong partner networks, If stayed on track. Teams supported each other naturally, shared information and coordinated efforts without waiting for instructions. “I’m extremely proud and grateful,” Benedicte says. “Our colleagues took so much responsibility.”
Key learnings from the storm included the importance of early mobilization, clear communication with customers about immediate actions, and ensuring sufficient inspection capacity during peak events.
By combining climate risk modelling, innovative insurance solutions, data sharing and a high level of service in claims handling, If supports climate adaptation across the Nordic region.
“Every event, every storm teaches us something. What we learned from the storm Hans in 2023 strengthened our response to Amy and Hannes in 2025, and these have made us even better prepared for whatever comes next” Oskar concludes. “Climate adaptation isn’t a single initiative, it’s the everyday work of reducing damage, strengthening preparedness, and helping customers recover faster when the unexpected happens.