The ongoing series of tremors in the Metropolitan Area of Granada since August 14th has left a significant economic impact. The Insurance Compensation Consortium (CCS) has seen a steady rise in compensation requests, now reaching 12,531. Initial estimates place the cost of damages above 35 million euros.
Data from the Granada Association of Insurance Mediators highlights the rapid increase in cases. On the past Wednesday alone, between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the Consortium received 2,312 applications in just seven hours, averaging about one claim every ten seconds. In less than 48 hours, this figure nearly doubled, exceeding 12,500.
The majority of damages are concentrated in residential properties. Out of the 12,531 registered claims, 11,719 pertain to homes and homeowners' associations, accounting for over 93% of the total. The remaining claims are distributed among businesses (609), offices (152), industrial risks (34), and vehicles (17).
The effects of the earthquakes extend beyond the capital. The Consortium has received claims from 74 municipalities in the province of Granada, as well as from locations in Málaga and Jaén affected by the seismic activity.
Granada city leads in the number of applications with 6,086 cases. It is followed by Ogíjares (1,251), Armilla (1,192), Churriana de la Vega (688), Las Gabias (503), and La Zubia (501). Other municipalities such as Vegas del Genil, Gójar, Alhendín, Maracena, Huétor Vega, Cájar, Cúllar Vega, and Villa de Otura have also surpassed one hundred claims.
The Consortium cautions that the current financial figure is provisional and may increase as damage assessments progress and the full extent of the destruction becomes clearer.
The Granada Association of Insurance Mediators has urged affected individuals to report damages, even if several days have passed since the earthquake, as the Consortium will process late submissions. Claims can be filed directly or through an insurance intermediary, who can provide guidance throughout the process.
It is crucial to note that the Consortium does not automatically compensate for all earthquake-related damages. To be eligible for compensation, both the claimant and the affected property must have had an active insurance policy covering extraordinary risks at the time of the damage. Business interruption losses are only covered if explicitly stated in the policy and resulting from direct damage to insured assets.
Mediators strongly advise documenting all damages before removal, cleaning, or repair. Detailed photographs and videos are essential for the assessment process. For urgent repairs, it is vital to retain all invoices and proof of work. Having the insurance policy, proof of its validity, estimates, and related invoices readily available is also recommended.
In response to this seismic emergency, which has generated thousands of cases in Granada, the primary recommendation is to document first, then act. The final economic impact will be known after the assessment phase, but the current figures already show over 35 million euros in damages and more than 12,500 claims.
