More than €260,000 paid out in insurance claims for damage to saunas – what caused the biggest risks?

Since 2022, insurance indemnities paid for damage to saunas have exceeded €260,000, according to data compiled by BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS (hereinafter – BTA). Ivo Danče, Director of the Insurance Claims Department at BTA, points out that saunas have mostly suffered damage in the regions of Latvia, such as Augšdaugava region and Jūrmala, as a result of storms and fires. During the cold season, people visit saunas more often, so it is important to ensure their safety. In addition, saunas are often located close to homes, which can put the entire property at risk. 

Although saunas are most often associated with fire risks, information compiled by BTA shows that the most common cause of damage is storms or very strong gusts of wind, which have been quite common in Latvia in recent years. Of the 91 claims since 2022, storms have been the cause of 41% of insured events. The second most common cause of damage, accounting for 25% of cases, was fire. In 9% of cases, damage to saunas was caused by hail and water leaks, and in 4% of cases, these properties were damaged by vandals. At the same time, rodents also pose a risk to saunas, especially in cases where the owners visit the property irregularly. 

The largest insurance claim payments were made due to fires 

In the insurer's experience, the largest insurance claim payments have been made for damage to saunas caused by fire – in such cases, the sauna building is usually completely burned down, often damaging adjacent buildings or the residential house in which the sauna is located. The largest insurance claim paid by BTA in recent years – almost 23,000 euros – was for a fire in the Ādaži region, where a sauna was completely destroyed by fire and an adjacent residential house was also damaged. In Valmiera region, the sauna owner received more than €14,000 as insurance indemnity. When the sauna caught fire, not only the sauna itself was damaged, but also the boiler room, kitchen, hallway, ceiling, and attic. 

"Fire is one of the most devastating risks – in an instant, the owner can lose all their belongings and their home. Moreover, if the owner has not insured it, the costs of repairs, household items or even the purchase of new property are substantial. Regardless of whether the sauna is in a private home or a separate building, you should always check that the chimney is clean, and the stove is safe before using it. The stove must not be overheated, and after the sauna ritual is over, you must check that the firewood has completely burned out, that it is not smouldering, and that the sauna room is not filled with smoke," emphasizes Ivo Danče. 

Natural disasters cause the most damage to saunas 

According to data compiled by BTA, natural disasters, such as storms and strong winds, are the most common cause of damage to saunas – in recent years, damage caused by natural disasters has been the cause of 41% of insured events involving saunas. Hail can also cause serious damage to saunas and residential buildings. 

During storms, strong winds and hail, sauna buildings most often suffer damage to their roofs, facades, windows and doors, resulting in losses amounting to several thousand euros. For example, in Daugavpils, a tree fell during a storm and severely damaged the walls and windows of a sauna, for which BTA paid insurance indemnity of more than €12,000. Meanwhile, heavy hailstorms in the Augšdaugava region damaged the roof of a residential building and sauna, as well as the front door and windows – in this case, insurance indemnity paid amounted to almost EUR 8,000. 

"Just like in summer, natural disasters are unpredictable in autumn and the risks to property increase – even a carefully maintained sauna and new roof covering may not withstand strong winds or large hailstones. Losses can also be caused by objects flying in the wind, debris and nearby trees. By insuring your property, the policy becomes an important safety mechanism that allows the owner to maintain financial stability and peace of mind," explains I. Danče. 

Where in Latvia have saunas been damaged most often? 

Looking at and evaluating the insurance cases recorded by BTA on a regional basis, the most common cases involved damaged saunas or properties with saunas in the Augšdaugava region and Jūrmala. Such cases have also been recorded relatively frequently in the Cēsis, Tukums, and Preiļi regions and in Riga. There have also been isolated cases elsewhere in Latvia, including in the Ādaži, Daugavpils, Valmiera, Ventspils, Rēzekne, and Smiltene regions. 

"Sauna rituals are an integral part of the daily routine for many Latvian residents, but it is important to remember that both fire accidents and natural disasters can cause unexpected and unwelcome "surprises" for anyone. Our homes, including saunas, are one of our most valuable possessions, so we must take preventive and comprehensive care of them—for example, regularly checking the roof and chimney for cleanliness and monitoring the safety of stoves and electrical installations. Similarly, if there are trees growing near the sauna building or residential house, they need to be regularly maintained and pruned. In addition, insurance must be taken care of, because accidents happen unexpectedly, resulting in significant costs," concludes I. Danče.