Spain's record forest fires expose insurance gaps, says Real Cober CEO

In 2025 Spain experienced its worst forest‑fire season in three decades, with 354,793 hectares burned and 63 large fires exceeding 500 hectares. Carlos Romera, CEO of the insurance firm Real Cober, warns that families affected by the blazes often discover that recovery is far more difficult once the flames are out.

Romera explains that the public Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros does not cover forest‑fire damage because the risk is not classified as extraordinary. This misconception leads many people to expect automatic state assistance, which is not provided. Consequently, private insurance—home, community or agricultural policies—must fill the gap, but many policies are under‑insured. He stresses the importance of reviewing coverage regularly to match rebuilding costs and asset values, and urges the public to recognize the need for adequate private protection.

The commentary highlights a systemic issue in Spain’s disaster‑response framework, where the lack of public compensation for fire places a heavier burden on private insurers and homeowners.