The data was released by the Portuguese Insurers Association (APS), following the earthquake in the Greater Lisbon region on 17 February.

"In Portugal, 53% of homes have insurance. 34% have fire or multi-risk insurance, but without seismic risk coverage and only 19% have insurance with seismic risk coverage", says APS, in a statement sent to Notícias ao Minuto.

"The APS invites everyone to check what insurance coverage they have contracted for their home. It is worth remembering that homes are where the Portuguese people's main savings are. That is why it is so important to protect these savings."

"Portugal is in a seismic zone and has already been seriously affected by one of the largest earthquakes on record, which occurred in 1755 and devastated part of the city of Lisbon and other areas of the country. We are not facing mere uncertainty, but real risk, of certain occurrence, at an uncertain time", considers the APS.

The APS says that "it has already presented to the Government and Parliament on several occasions a structured and integrated solution for protecting people and homes in the event of an earthquake".

However, "until such a system is created, there are individual insurance solutions to help protect citizens and businesses from losses resulting from an earthquake," says the APS, adding that "having insurance can make all the difference in these circumstances."

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