On March 28, 2025, the Italian Council of Ministers officially announced a significant postponement regarding the mandatory catastrophic insurance for businesses, a decision that has been met with widespread approval from various business associations. The new deadlines set forth in this decree vary depending on the size of the enterprise, reflecting the government’s recognition of the complexities faced by different sectors.
The original deadline of April 1, 2025, has been extended to October 1, 2025, for medium-sized enterprises, while small and micro enterprises have until January 1, 2026, to comply with the new regulations. Meanwhile, large companies must still meet the April 1 deadline, but they will not face sanctions for non-compliance for an additional 90 days when it comes to receiving public financial contributions or subsidies related to catastrophic events.
This decision comes on the heels of mounting pressure from various business groups, including Confcommercio and Confesercenti, who argued that the initial deadline was “objectively incompatible” with the realities of nearly four million businesses needing to comply with the new insurance requirements. Many companies expressed concerns over the short timeframe allowed to secure necessary policies, especially given that the regulatory framework was only published in late February.
“Finally, a decision made in the name of common sense regarding catastrophic insurance policies,” commented the CNA, a national confederation of artisans and small businesses. They welcomed the postponement, emphasizing the need for clarity in the standards and requirements for these insurance contracts. The CNA also highlighted the importance of establishing the Ivass portal, which will enable businesses to compare insurance offers effectively.
Confcommercio echoed similar sentiments, noting the complexity of the situation that involves around four million businesses. They called for a permanent monitoring table that includes business associations, insurance companies, and relevant ministries to address ongoing concerns and ensure a smooth implementation of the insurance requirement.
Confesercenti, another prominent business association, also praised the postponement, stating it would allow businesses to better orient themselves within the insurance market. They raised critical issues, particularly the imbalance in costs between lessors and lessees—the tenant pays for the insurance, while the coverage benefits the property owner. This has been a particularly pressing concern for small and medium enterprises in sectors such as tourism, commerce, and services.
Riccardo Zucconi, a member of the Italian Parliament, emphasized the necessity of addressing the complexities involved in implementing the insurance requirement. He pointed out that many businesses, especially those in disadvantaged areas, are not adequately exposed to seismic and hydrogeological risks, and therefore, the requirement could unfairly penalize them.
As part of the new regulations, the insurance policies will cover damages from catastrophic events such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods, but they will not include coverage for other phenomena like hail or tornadoes, which require additional guarantees. It’s crucial for businesses to evaluate the most suitable policies for their needs, especially considering that non-compliant buildings cannot be insured.
For many enterprises, this new insurance requirement represents an additional financial burden. A recent study conducted by Facile.it simulated the annual premiums for various types of businesses in cities like Milan, Rome, and Palermo. For instance, a restaurant valued at €300,000 with equipment worth €100,000 would see annual premiums ranging from €343.50 in Milan to over €469 in Palermo. Similarly, hotels with a value of €1 million and equipment worth €500,000 would face premiums as high as €703.50 in Milan and over €1,000 in Palermo.
The government’s decision to postpone the insurance requirement has been framed as a necessary measure to ensure that businesses have adequate time to prepare and comply with the new regulations. As the first meeting with Ivass, Ania, Unipol, and other organizations is scheduled for March 31, stakeholders are hopeful for a productive dialogue that will further clarify the implementation process.
Overall, the postponement of the catastrophic insurance obligation has been received positively across the board, with many viewing it as an opportunity for the government to address critical issues raised by the business community and to create a more coherent framework for disaster risk management.
