Insurance solutions as a part of risk management in forest enterprises

in times, when the economical viability of forest enterprises is crucial, severe storm events regularly cause a relevant decrease of the operating results. During the last years there is a discussion, whether insurance solutions are a feasible approach to mitigate these impacts. The authors discuss these questions on the base of a comparison between two different countries (Baden-Wurttemberg (Germany) and Switzerland) and three different ownership classes. Insurance and behavioural theory on the one hand, the economical situation and State subsidy policy on the other hand are used as a theoretical framework for a comparative survey. Although the natural situation in these adjacent countries bears considerable resemblance, the political and economical framework shows relevant differences. This results in a distinct attitude towards new risk management strategies. It can be shown that the owners in Baden-Wurttemberg are significantly more interested in insurance solutions and risk management strategies than the owners in Switzerland. This includes the present use of different types of these strategies. The role of the operating results and liquidity aspects are discussed in the paper. Liquidity is one of the key factors that influence the demand for insurances. Former State subsidies and the present economic situation are identified as dominant impediments for a heavier use of self-dependent risk management strategies. Finally the article gives hints for insurance industry and forest policy.