France, Jan. 29 -- Some 2,000 towns and cities across France found themselves uninsured at the start of the year after insurance companies raised rates or ended contracts in line withthe cost of covering damages brought by storms and flooding. Climate change is forcing a rethinking of the entire insurance industry.

On 31 December 2023, the mayor of Dinan was informed by the company that insured his town that it would not renew its contract.

A town of 15,000 in Brittany, it was hit by storm Ciaran in November that caused €1.3 billion in damages across western France.

Without insurance for its public buildings, vehicles and schools, Dinan had to scramble. A Japanese company was willing to insure some of the town's property, but onl...