Headline:
Snowpocalypse Hits Oslo, Insurance Companies Feel the Impact
Subheading:
Record snowfall leads to surge in vehicle assistance and damage claims
Byline:
Gorm Kallestad / NTB
Article:
In an unprecedented snowstorm, Oslo residents woke up to a winter wonderland that quickly turned into a scene of chaos. The capital has received its highest snowfall in over two decades, leaving streets impassable and vehicles struggling.
The insurance industry is feeling the brunt of the storm, with companies floodedd with calls for assistance and reporting a surge in vehicle damage claims.
Tryg Forsikring, one of Norway’s largest insurance providers, has handled over 1,000 vehicle assistance cases since New Year’s Day. Started batteries, frozen locks, and failed headlights were the primary culprits.
"Currently, we’re receiving a high volume of calls," said Torbjørn Brandeggen, senior communications advisor at Tryg Forsikring. "About 250 to 300 people needed assistance yesterday, and we expect a similar number today."
Fremtind, another major insurance company, has received approximately 400 vehicle damage reports due to the snowstorm and anticipates the figure to rise throughout the day.
If Forsikring also reported an increase in claims, dominated by drivers stuck in the snow and requiring roadside assistance.
"We’ve seen a significant increase in calls, particularly from those needing help due to snow," said Sigmund Clementz, press chief at If. "Medhreport Norway’s Aftenposten that Oslo hasn’t seen such heavy snowfall in a single day since 1998.
Clementz urged drivers to reduce their speed and remember that braking distances are significantly longer in winter conditions. He also warned about the risk of snow-laden roofs causing damage to buildings.
Brandeggen and Clementz both agreed that while the situation is serious, media reports often exaggerate the extent of the chaos.
This article has been automatically generated by E24’s AI summarizer and fact-checked by our journalists.
