The hailstorm of 28 August 2026 caused the largest single damage in the history of the Canton of Zurich Building Insurance (GVZ) in the Canton of Zurich. The number of reported claims was revised upwards several times from an initial figure of around 11,600 and most recently stood at over 20,000 reports. Press reports estimate the total economic damage at around CHF 1.5 billion. (As of: September 2026)
Key points in brief
- The GVZ describes the storm as the largest single event in its history – the previous record was set in 2021 with around CHF 190 million.
- The number of reported claims rose from initially around 11,600 (as of 31 August) to most recently over 20,000.
- A total economic loss of around CHF 1.5 billion was reported by several newspapers; this figure does not come directly from the GVZ.
- At the end of 2025, the GVZ had equity of around CHF 1.6 billion and describes the year as financially manageable.
What happened on 28 August 2026?
On 28 August 2026, a severe hailstorm swept across the Swiss Plateau, with particularly strong effects in the Canton of Zurich. In the days that followed, building owners initially reported around 11,600 damage claims to the GVZ with an estimated loss amount of around CHF 200 million (as of: 31 August 2026). In the following weeks, the GVZ had to revise this estimate upwards twice – most recently to over 20,000 reported claims.
How is this event classified historically?
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Claims reported (as of 31.8.2026) | around 11,600 | GVZ |
| Estimated loss amount (as of 31.8.2026) | around CHF 200 million | GVZ |
| Claims reported (revised later) | over 20,000 | GVZ, press reports |
| Previous GVZ record (2021) | around CHF 190 million | GVZ |
| GVZ equity (end 2025) | around CHF 1.6 billion | GVZ |
| Total economic damage (press estimate) | around CHF 1.5 billion | Business press, not a GVZ figure |
As of: September 2026. The 1.5 billion estimate comes from reporting by major Swiss media and is not an official GVZ figure.
What does this mean specifically for solar systems?
Photovoltaic modules are among the components that can be affected by a hail event of this magnitude – the extent to which they are affected cannot be quantified using the cross-building GVZ figures alone. What specifically needs to be done in the event of a claim is described in the guide on hail damage to solar systems.
Not every affected house has a solar system – but many roofs will be repaired or re-roofed in the coming months. Anyone who is thinking about a solar system anyway should clarify this before the repair appointment: The scaffolding will already be in place by then, and the insurance will pay for the repair of the roof, but not for the new solar system. The guide on roof renovation and photovoltaics explains how to sensibly combine both.
Experience shows that weather events of this magnitude lead to a noticeable increase in enquiries for roof and solar system inspections in the affected regions. There are no reliable case figures of our own for this specific event available for this page.
Frequently asked questions
How many buildings were affected by the hailstorm on 28 August 2026?
According to the GVZ, around 11,600 damage reports were initially received, later revised to over 20,000.
Is it true that the damage amounts to 1.5 billion francs?
This figure was reported by major Swiss media, but is not an official figure from the GVZ.
Was that the largest hail damage in the history of the GVZ?
According to the GVZ's own statements, yes – the previous record from 2021 was around CHF 190 million.
Is the GVZ financially at risk due to this event?
According to its own statements, no: At the end of 2025, the GVZ had equity of around CHF 1.6 billion.
Have your solar system checked after the hailstorm?
We professionally inspect your solar system after a hail event – from the visual inspection to the yield analysis.
Sources: GVZ (Canton of Zurich Building Insurance), reporting by NZZ, Tages-Anzeiger and Der Bund.
Last updated: 24 September 2026 · Contact for questions about the methodology: ecoEn specialist editorial team
