Survey on Search Trends Regarding Natural Disasters and Insurance Claims

AUN Consulting, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Akira Shida; TSE Standard: 2459) operates marketing businesses including AI Marketing* and Global Marketing**.

We are pleased to announce the results of our survey on search trends related to "natural disasters" and "fire insurance/earthquake insurance applications."

* AIO (AI Optimization: AIO x SEO) [Service Overview: https://www.auncon.co.jp/solutions/aio/]

** SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for domestic and international markets, Advertising for domestic and international markets [Service Overview: https://www.auncon.co.jp/service/]

*** The rankings for each search keyword in this survey were compiled using estimated search volumes from Google Keyword Planner for the period of June 2025 to May 2026 as reference indicators.

Background of the Survey

Natural disasters such as typhoons, heavy rainfall, and earthquakes occur almost every year in Japan, often causing damage to homes and buildings. Following such disasters, there is a noticeable trend of people searching online for information regarding damage assessment, repair costs, and the possibility of filing insurance claims.

This survey analyzed search keywords related to natural disasters and fire/earthquake insurance applications to understand what kind of information is sought after a disaster. Additionally, based on disaster data released by the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Cabinet Office, we have considered recent trends in major natural disasters and the importance of early confirmation and documentation after a disaster.

Interest in Self-Checks After Disasters Seen in Search Data

"Fire insurance application photo" ranked first in search volume (1,005,500 cases)

This indicates a high demand for specific methods of documenting damage when considering applications for fire or earthquake insurance after a disaster. In insurance claims, photographs of the damaged areas can serve as crucial evidence to confirm the extent and condition of the damage.

Specifically, damage to roofs, exterior walls, gutters, windows, and water stains indoors can change over time or become difficult to explain in relation to the disaster. After ensuring safety, it is recommended to document the overall condition of the building and the details of the damaged areas from multiple angles.

"Insurance assessment" ranked second in search volume

When considering an insurance claim, people search for information about their insurance coverage, assessment methods, and the criteria used to evaluate damages during the application process. Damage to buildings caused by natural disasters can be judged differently depending on the cause of damage, the timing of occurrence, and the contract details. Therefore, it is important to check your insurance policy and coverage before applying, and consult with your insurance company or a specialist if necessary.

Interest in "fire costs" and "damage insurance" also ranked high

Keywords such as "fire costs" and "damage insurance" were also among the top results, showing a need to confirm the estimated repair costs and the scope of coverage by insurance when buildings are damaged by disasters or accidents. Fire insurance may cover not only fires but also wind, hail, snow damage, water damage, breakage, and soiling, depending on the contract. On the other hand, aging deterioration and construction defects may not be covered, so it is important to clarify the cause of damage and the contract details.

Interest in self-checks, such as "gutter repair DIY," is also increasing

There is a growing interest in first assessing the condition of damaged areas oneself and checking if temporary repairs can be made. Warping or detachment of gutters, and damage to roofs and exterior walls are often discovered after typhoons or heavy rains, but confirming and repairing these can involve dangerous work at heights. Therefore, after a disaster, it is advisable not to attempt risky work, but to record the damage within a safe range of observation and consult with professional contractors or insurance companies as needed.

* Google Ads Keyword Planner tool search volume data

"Disaster-Prone Japan" Seen Through Data: Major Natural Disasters in the Last 5 Years

The Japan Meteorological Agency's "Meteorological Events Causing Disasters"*1 compiles information on meteorological disasters with significant damage or high social interest and impact. In the last five years, there have been record-breaking heavy rains accompanied by linear rainbands, widespread flooding and landslides caused by typhoons and fronts, as well as earthquake damage, confirming natural disasters with the potential to damage homes and buildings across various regions.

In recent years, in addition to heavy rainfall disasters with intense rain in short periods, earthquakes with strong tremors have also occurred in various places. Furthermore, in areas where ground subsidence or building damage occurred due to earthquakes, subsequent heavy rains can lead to landslides and flood damage. To prepare for such situations, it is important to ensure safety after damage occurs, check the condition of buildings promptly, and record photos and damage details.

4 Points to Note for Insurance Claims After Disasters

Fire and earthquake insurance policies do not automatically pay out benefits; they are subject to review based on the damage, contract details, and submitted documents. To respond calmly after a disaster, it is important to pay attention to the following points:

Point 1: Leave damage photos that show both the overall view and details

Photos taken during the claim process are important documents for confirming the damaged areas. Leaving photos that show the overall positional relationship of the building, close-ups of the damaged areas, and their angles and sizes will make it easier to explain the damage situation.

Point 2: Do not judge solely by repair costs; confirm if it is covered

Even if the repair costs after a disaster are high, the damage may be covered by insurance depending on the contract details and the cause of the damage. It is important not to give up on applying based on self-judgment, but to check your insurance policy and coverage.

Point 3: Breakage and soiling may also be covered depending on the contract

Damage from flying objects due to typhoons, or breakage due to unexpected and sudden accidents, may be covered depending on the contract. On the other hand, aging deterioration and construction defects may not be covered, so organizing the cause of damage is important.

Point 4: The longer it takes, the harder it is to explain the causal relationship with the disaster

As time passes after a disaster, it becomes more difficult to explain when the damage occurred. Since there is a statute of limitations for insurance claims, if you notice damage, it is advisable to record the situation promptly and consult with your insurance company or a specialist as needed.

3 Actions Individuals Can Take to Prepare for Disasters

(1) "Take photos of your surroundings" during normal times (before a disaster)

To make it easier to identify "what was damaged" after a disaster, it is effective to take photos of your home's condition before the disaster. Taking photos of exterior walls, roofs, and gutters with a smartphone or other device beforehand will make it easier to compare with the condition after damage occurs.

(2) "Safety confirmation and recording" immediately after a disaster

After a disaster occurs, first ensure your safety, then check for roof displacement, cracks in exterior walls, warped gutters, water stains indoors, etc. If you find damage, it is effective to take photos with the date visible.

(3) Consult a specialist if you are unsure

"Which damages are covered" and "what kind of documentation is needed" vary depending on the contract details and the cause of damage. With "Mielmo's" application support, while customers handle the application to the insurance company themselves, we support the parts that require specialized knowledge, such as confirming the damage situation, points for taking photos, and preparing documents, to alleviate anxiety regarding insurance claims.

Information Needs After Disasters Seen from Search Data

This survey revealed searches related to confirmation, recording, assessment, repair, and application after a disaster, such as "fire insurance application photo," "insurance assessment," "fire costs," "damage insurance," and "gutter repair DIY."

These searches suggest that specific information is sought immediately after a disaster, such as "what should I photograph?" "how are damages assessed?" "what is covered by insurance?" and "how much will repairs cost?"

Details and Inquiries Regarding "Mielmo"

For details about "Mielmo," please visit here.

https://mielmo.com/

The full version of this report contains more detailed survey results, including an in-depth analysis of search trends related to natural disasters and insurance claims, and a summary of major natural disasters in the last five years.

Please view it on the AUN Consulting website.

Full Report Here

Survey Overview

[Survey Purpose]

Survey on search trends related to natural disasters and fire/earthquake insurance applications

[Survey Details]

- Target Region: Japan

- Target Keywords: Major keywords related to natural disasters, fire insurance, earthquake insurance, insurance applications, damage photos, repair costs, etc.

- Survey Period: June 2025 - May 2026

- Analysis Items: Search volume, search intent, information needs after disaster occurrence

- Survey Method: Compilation of search data using Google Keyword Planner, independent analysis by AUN Consulting based on statistics and news materials from relevant organizations.

[Source]

*1 Japan Meteorological Agency, "Meteorological Events Causing Disasters (1989 - Present)"

https://www.data.jma.go.jp/stats/data/bosai/report/index_1989.html

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