The General Insurance Association of Japan (GIAJ) reported that insurers are expected to pay out a total of 16,988 vehicle insurance claims following the record-breaking heavy rains that struck Kyushu and Yamaguchi in August, amounting to roughly JPY 13.03bn ($87m) in losses.
Kumamoto Prefecture recorded the most significant impact, with 12,236 claims worth about JPY 8.84bn, according to data compiled by the GIAJ on insurance payouts as of August 29.
The rains, which lasted from August 6 to 12, were accompanied by a linear rainband that brought widespread flooding and damage to vehicles across Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Yamaguchi and neighbouring regions.
By prefecture, Kagoshima reported 2,369 cases totalling JPY 2.09bn, Ishikawa had 197 cases worth JPY 280m, Yamaguchi recorded 207 cases amounting to JPY 135m and other regions accounted for 1,979 cases totalling JPY 1.76bn.
The GIAJ also warned the public to be cautious of fraudulent solicitations following the disaster, in which individuals falsely offer to act on behalf of policyholders for a fee.
The association emphasised that insurance companies do not charge investigation fees, urging affected individuals to consult directly with their non-life insurance company or agent before responding to such offers.