(AGENPARL) – Mon 24 March 2025
Polizze catastrofali, Confimi Industria “Urgente una proroga e servono chiarimenti sulla normativa”
As the March 31 deadline looms, confusion and urgency are mounting among Italian businesses regarding new regulations for catastrophic insurance policies. Confimi Industria has forcefully reiterated the necessity for clear rules and adequate time to comply with these new insurance obligations aimed at protecting against natural disasters. According to Vice President Flavio Lorenzin, the lack of definitive guidance surrounding Law 213/2023 has left entrepreneurs in a state of uncertainty, potentially exposing them to indirect penalties connected to public funding.
“The enterprises are facing a complex regulatory framework that is difficult to interpret, compounded by an imminent deadline and a lack of unambiguous guidelines,” Lorenzin stated. He warned that the absence of clarity risks confusion among entrepreneurs, who could inadvertently violate the stipulations tied to public contributions and incentives.
Confimi Industria’s call comes just days before the implementing decree (MEF n. 18/2025) is set to take effect. The focal point of concern is the ambiguity surrounding insurance obligations for leased or rented assets, which lacks a clear distinction between owners and users. This situation imposes burdens on businesses that may prove improper or even unfeasible.
“The legislation effectively transfers the costs of natural disasters to businesses without ensuring an equitable distribution of liabilities among the state, insurance companies, and economic operators,” he added. Preliminary estimates indicate that the new insurance measure could cost Italian businesses several billion euros. Insurance premiums are expected to vary significantly based on both location and industry sector, with the risk transfer from the state to businesses likely leading to an increase in operational costs ranging from 5% to 10% for firms most exposed to catastrophic events.
In light of these pressing issues, Confimi Industria urgently requests the government to extend the March 31 deadline and enact legal measures that provide concrete interpretations and applicable guidelines. “Companies cannot be left in uncertainty concerning such an economically and strategically significant topic,” emphasized Lorenzin, expressing the Confederation's willingness to collaborate in identifying solutions that protect the Italian entrepreneurial fabric and ensure fair implementation of the regulations.
Meanwhile, an amendment to the recently discussed Decree Bollette proposes extending the insurance subscription deadline for Cat Nat policies to October 31, 2025. This proposal, backed by Confindustria and CNA, aims to alleviate the strain on businesses grappling with adjustments to the new provisions of the 2024 Budget Law, especially in light of the delayed approval of the relevant implementative decree.
The ANIA (National Association of Insurance Companies) has acknowledged the situation, providing a resource guide that addresses frequently asked questions regarding the new obligation. This guide seeks to clear up ambiguities surrounding the insurability and compensability of non-owned assets, such as buildings, equipment, and merchandise.
As noted, the requirement, which initially mandated companies to secure insurance coverage from the beginning of 2025, was postponed under the Milleproroghe Decree to March 2025. However, Fratelli d’Italia’s amendment aims to push the deadline further back, acknowledging the challenges that businesses face as they attempt to comply.
Critics have voiced concerns about the viability of such a tight schedule, with many entrepreneurs, supported by their advocacy groups, advocating for more time to meet the regulations effectively. Currently, around 4 million businesses are affected by this obligation, requesting the opportunity to secure appropriate coverage without undue haste. Confindustria has notably requested a minimum three-month extension to ensure adequate compliance.
If not approved, the original March 31 deadline will take effect, forcing businesses to comply or risk losing eligibility for future public funding. This constraint has drawn significant attention, with various entrepreneur associations articulating the necessity for an extension to allow for structured adaptation to the new legal framework.
Thus far, associations such as CNA Marche have reported that up to 95% of enterprises in their region may lack sufficient coverage due to the short window for compliance. The cost of insurance premiums is another point of concern, with estimates suggesting premiums could range from €1,500 to €12,000, depending on risk classification. Smaller enterprises face average premiums exceeding €500, intensifying the financial burden.
In light of this situation, CNA Marche has urged the government to intervene by establishing clear risk classifications within the regions where companies are situated. Such measures are deemed essential for ensuring fair insurance practices and preventing the emergence of a chaotic tariff landscape as businesses scramble to secure policies in a short timeframe.
As the deadline approaches, the need for clarity and adjustment remains paramount. Several voices from the business community have expressed their support for mandatory catastrophic insurance, viewing it as a necessary protection in the face of escalating climate-related risks. Yet, they continue to emphasize the importance of giving businesses adequate time to navigate the intricacies involved in selecting and adopting the insurance coverage that best fits their needs.
“We have sent a letter to the President of the Council, highlighting the difficulties posed by the March 31 deadline,” said Ivan Ruggeri of CNA Macerata. He noted the late issuance of the implementing regulation at the end of February rendered the timeline for compliance unrealistic.
While acknowledging that penalties have not been strictly outlined for non-compliance, it is clear that failure to obtain the required coverage will affect eligibility for financial aid and subsidies in case of disasters. As businesses express their concerns and push for delays, only time will tell if the government will respond with the needed extensions to relieve the pressure mounting on Italy's entrepreneurial sector.
