The environmental insurance market has shown further signs of growth, with insurers interviewed in the latest Willis Environmental Index for the first quarter of 2007 reporting an increase of up to 100% in the number of policies placed last year, compared to 2005. A corresponding increase in total premium placed has been evident, with total premium spend within the London and European environmental insurance market estimated to be in the region of €90m, up from approximately €60m in 2005. According to the Index, annual premium placed into 'pollution pool' insurance schemes available in countries such as France, Italy, Spain and The Netherlands comprises approximately €70m, while premium spend on environmental coverage available through the German general liability market has been estimated to account for approximately €250m.
The increase in premium spent has been tempered by the continuing soft market conditions.
