Insurance as a Model for Protecting the Economic System from Natural Disasters

Authors

  • Luka Baturan University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Law, Novi Sad, Serbia,Trg Dositeja Obradovića 1, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia Author
  • Goran Milošević University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Law, Novi Sad, Serbia,Trg Dositeja Obradovića 1, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia Author
  • Cvjetana Cvjetković Ivetić University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Law, Novi Sad, Serbia,Trg Dositeja Obradovića 1, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66050/z82mwm80

Keywords:

insurance, protection, prevention, risk, disaster, public interest

Abstract

Natural disasters increasingly generate serious economic consequences, including direct property losses, disruption of production and trade flows, increased public expenditure, and pressure on state budgets. In this context, insurance represents an important instrument of disaster risk financing and economic system protection. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of insurance as a model for protecting the economic system from the consequences of natural disasters, with particular reference to the Republic of Serbia. The paper applies normative legal analysis, theoretical analysis, comparative analysis, and secondary data analysis. Special attention is given to the relationship between voluntary and compulsory insurance, public-private partnership models, catastrophe insurance pools, and the role of the state in disaster risk financing. The findings indicate that an effective insurance system can reduce the financial burden on the state, accelerate post-disaster recovery, and strengthen the resilience of households, businesses, and the wider economic system. However, in Serbia, the development of such a model requires stronger institutional support, improved insurance culture, subsidized premiums for vulnerable groups, reliable hazard data, and a clearer division of responsibilities between the state, insurers, and insured entities. The paper concludes that a combined public-private model of disaster insurance would be the most appropriate direction for strengthening economic resilience to natural disasters in Serbia.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

1. Ainuddin, S., Routray, J. K., & Ainuddin, S. (2014). People's risk perception in earthquake prone Quetta city of Baluchistan. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 7, 165-175.

2. Aitsi-Selmi, A., Egawa, S., Sasaki, H., Wannous, C., & Murray, V. J. I. j. o. d. r. s. (2015). The Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction: Renewing the global commitment to people’s resilience, health, and well-being. 6(2), 164-176.

3. Aon. (2026). 2026 climate and catastrophe insight. https://www.aon.com/en/insights/reports/climate-and-catastrophe-report

4. Ayalew, N. A., & Lema, A. T. (2025). Conflict Risk Monitoring for Conflict Prevention in Ethiopia: The Case of Ataye Towen, North Shewa, Amhara Region. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 177–202. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.10

5. Ayalew, N. A., & Lema, A. T. (2025). Conflict Risk Monitoring for Conflict Prevention in Ethiopia: The Case of Ataye Towen, North Shewa, Amhara Region. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 177-202.

6. Bečkanov, G. S. (2012). Ekonomska teorija [Economic theory]. Moskva–Sankt Peterburg–Kijev–Harkov–Minsk.

7. Beli, A., Renner, R., Cvetković, V. M., Ivanov, A., & Gačić, J. (2025). A cross-national study of disaster risk management: Strengths and weaknesses in Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania with reflections on Serbia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 431–460. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.25

8. Beli, A., Renner, R., Cvetković, V. M., Ivanov, A., & Gačić, J. (2025). A Cross-National Study of Disaster Risk Management: Strengths and Weaknesses in Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania with Reflections on Serbia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1).

9. Bošković, M. (2017). Leksikon bezbednosti [Lexicon of security]. Beograd–Novi Sad.

10. Cvetković, V. (2014). Analysis of geospatial and temporal distribution of floods as natural emergencies. Archibald Reiss Days (Vol. 2, pp. 371–389). Beograd: Academy of Criminalistic and Police Studies.

11. Cvetković, V. (2021). Pravni i bezbednosni aspekti upravljanja rizicima od prirodnih i antropogenih katastrofa [Legal and security aspects of disaster risk management]. Beograd: Pravni fakultet u Novom Sadu; Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.

12. Cvetković, V. (2023). Integrisano upravljanje rizicima od katastrofa: Pripremljenost, ublažavanje, odgovor i oporavak [Integrated disaster risk management: Preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery]. Beograd: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.

13. Cvetković, V. (2025). First responders in the Western Balkans: Strengthening Capacities and Preparedness for a Resilient Future. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 361-384.

14. Cvetković, V. (2026). Upravljanje rizicima od katastrofa: teorija, koncepti i metode [Disaster Risk Management: Theory, Concepts and Methods]. Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Belgrade.

15. Cvetković, V. M. (2020). Upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama [Risk management in emergency situations]. Beograd.

16. Cvetkovic, V. M., & Martinović, J. (2021). Innovative solutions for flood risk management. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 2(2), 71–100. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2020.2.2.5

17. Cvetković, V. M., Aleksov, B., Renner, R., Gačić, J., Ivanov, A., & Milašinović, S. (2025). Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction: Overcoming Barriers to Build Stronger Communities. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 113-129. doi:10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.7

18. Cvetković, V. M., Milenković, D., & Lukić, T. (2026). Measuring community disaster resilience in Serbia using an adapted BRIC framework grounded in DROP: Index construction and regional disparities. Geosciences, 16(4), 135. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16040135

19. Cvetković, V. M., Milenković, D., Bašić, J., Lukić, T., & Renner, R. (2026). Predictive model of community disaster resilience across Serbia: A BRIC–DROP composite index and spatial patterns. Safety, 12(3), 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/safety12030059

20. Cvetković, V. M., Renner, R., Aleksova, B., & Lukić, T. (2024). Geospatial and Temporal Patterns of Natural and Man-Made (Technological) Disasters (1900–2024): Insights from Different Socio-Economic and Demographic Perspectives. Applied Sciences, 14(18), 8129.

21. Cvetković, V. M., Tanasić, J., Ocal, A., Kešetović, Ž., Nikolić, N., & Dragašević, A. (2021). Capacity development of local self-governments for disaster risk management. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19), 10406.

22. Cvetković, V., & Renner, R. (2024). Comprehensive databases on natural and man-made (technological) hazards and disasters: Mapping risks and challenges. Belgrade: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.

23. Cvetković, V., Lipovac, M., & Milojković, B. (2016). Knowledge of secondary school students in Belgrade as an element of flood preparedness. Teme, 15(4), 1259–1273.

24. Cvetković, V., Radovanović, M., & Milašinović, S. (2021). Disaster risk communication: Attitudes of Serbian citizens. Sociological Review, 55(4), 1610–1647.

25. Cvetković, V., Roder, G., Tarolli, P., Öcal, A., Ronan, K., & Dragićević, S. (2017). Gender disparities in flood risk perception and preparedness: A Serbian case study. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 19, EGU2017-6720.

26. Dada, K. S. J., Hamza, J. M., & Mohammed, H. A. (2025). Disaster Risk Management in Libraries and Information Centers: Global Strategies, Challenges, Policy and Recommendations. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 203–214. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.11

27. Dašić, D., & Đombić, I. (2009). Uvod u ekonomiju [Introduction to economics]. Banja Luka.

28. Derenčinović Ruk, M. (2025). The role of the state in insurance of natural disaster risks – What is the right way, EU initiative and examples from France and Italy. Zbornik Pravnog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Rijeci [Proceedings of the Faculty of Law of the University of Rijeka], 46(3), 651–676.

29. Desalit, P., Duque, G. B., Edradan, T. M., Enciso, K. H., Enriquez, M. R., & Pan, W. K. M. (2025). Predictors of Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Among Adult Residents in Selected Highly-Dense Barangays in Tondo, Manila. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 301-312.

30. Djebari, S., & Bestandji, S. (2025). The Role of Spatial Analysis in Notifiable Disease Monitoring and Health Risk Management: A Case Study of Constantine. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 215–234. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.12

31. Djebari, S., & Bestandji, S. (2025). The Role of Spatial Analysis in Notifiable Disease Monitoring and Health Risk Management: A Case Study of Constantine. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 215-234.

32. Doganić, J., & Paunović, M. (2021). Upravljanje rizicima od prirodnih katastrofa [Management of risks from natural disasters]. Tokovi osiguranja [Insurance Trends], 3, 37-70.

33. Gajović, A., Cvetković, V., Renner, R., & Cvetković, V. (2025). Advancing the circular economy through construction and demolition waste management for disaster risk-informed practice: Comparative insights from Serbia and the European Union. International Journal of Contemporary Security Studies, 1(2), 51–66. https://doi.org/10.18485/fb_ijcss.2025.1.2.4

34. Goswami, T., & Ahmad, A. (2025). Integrating Disability into Disaster Management Education in India: A Critical Review. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 163-176.

35. Hanspal, M. S., Cvetković, V. M., Lipovac, M., & Popović, D. J. (2026). Regulating Emerging Technologies in Disaster Management: A Comparative Analysis of Security Governance and Legal Liability in India and Serbia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 147-162. https://doi.org/10.66050/5jedtn66

36. Insurance Information Institute. (2026). Facts + statistics: U.S. catastrophes. https://www.iii.org/publications/insurance-handbook/insurance-and-disasters/facts-statistics-us-catastrophes

37. Inusa, M., Chukwudi Nnaemeka, E., Nyomo, J. D., Osawe, I. E., Obadaki, Y. Y., Ismail, A., ... Abdullahi Bichi, A. (2025). Nature and Extent of Flood Risk Downstream of the Kubanni Dam, Kaduna State, Nigeria. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.1

38. Janković, L., Cvetković, V. M., Gačić, J., Renner, R., & Jakovljević, V. (2025). Integrating psychosocial support into emergency and disaster management and public safety: The role of the Red Cross of Serbia. International Journal of Contemporary Security Studies, 1(1), 99–124. https://doi.org/10.18485/fb_ijcss.2025.1.1.8

39. Joshi, K. D., & Poudel, D. K. (2025). Transforming landscapes, shaping risk: Land cover change and disaster vulnerability in Parshuram Municipality (2005–2025). International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 551–564. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.31

40. Jovanović, J. (2025). Građani Srbije više brinu za automobile, nego zbog požara i poplava [Serbian citizens worry more about cars than about fires and floods]. Biznis.rs, 16.7.2025. https://biznis.rs/vesti/srbija/gradjani-srbije-vise-brinu-za-automobile-nego-zbog-pozara-i-poplava/

41. Karmaker, R., & Cvetković, V. (2026). Policy, Risk and Innovation: A Mixed-Methods Framework for Using AI to Foster Inclusion in Marginalized Communities in Bangladesh. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 385-408.

42. Katančević, V. T., & Karović, S. (2016). Identifikovanje opasnosti, procena rizika i monitoring kao oblik ranog upozorenja [Identification of hazards, risk assessment and monitoring as a form of early warning]. Vojno delo, 2, 84-107.

43. Kočović, J., Paunović, B., & Jovović, M. (2014). Mogućnosti upravljanja katastrofalnim rizicima [Possibilities of managing catastrophic risks]. Novi ekonomist, 8(16), 7-15.

44. Law on Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management [Zakon o smanjenju rizika od katastrofa i upravljanju vanrednim situacijama]. (2018). Službeni glasnik Republike Srbije, 87/2018.

45. Mančić, T. (2025). Climate change as a security challenge, risk and threat of the 21st century and its consequences on critical infrastructure. International Journal of Contemporary Security Studies, 1(1), 191–204. https://doi.org/10.18485/fb_ijcss.2025.1.1.14

46. Masys, A. (2015). Disaster management: enabling resilience: Springer.

47. Matewos, K. (2025). Domestic Hiking Tourism for Post-COVID Recovery and Transformation. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 283-300.

48. Mavrodieva, A. V., Budiarti, D. S., Yu, Z., Pasha, F. A., & Shaw, R. (2019). Governmental incentivization for SMEs’ engagement in disaster resilience in Southeast Asia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 1(1), 32–50. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2019.1.1.2

49. Milenković, D. (2025). Theoretical, institutional and organizational aspects of the integrated disaster risk reduction system: Towards a deeper understanding of disaster resilience in Serbia. International Journal of Contemporary Security Studies, 1(1), 175–190. https://doi.org/10.18485/fb_ijcss.2025.1.1.13

50. Milenković, D., & Cvetković, V. (2026). Disaster resilience in Serbia: A narrative synthesis of institutional, social, and perception-based evidence. Scientific and Professional Conference “Predrag Marić”, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, 1(1), 173–204. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19910047

51. Milenković, D., & Cvetković, V. M. (2025). Rethinking disaster resilience: Conceptual framework, core dimensions, and key actors. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 455–468. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.25

52. Milenković, D., Cvetković, V. M., & Renner, R. (2024). A systematic literary review on community resilience indicators: Adaptation and application of the BRIC method for measuring disasters resilience. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 6(2), 79–104.

53. Miletic, S., & Stojanović, T. (2025). Risks and threats to critical infrastructure with reference to trends in the protection of critical infrastructure in the Republic of Serbia. International Journal of Contemporary Security Studies, 1(2), 203–214. https://doi.org/10.18485/fb_ijcss.2025.1.2.15

54. Milošević, G., & Čaušić, L. (2022). Ekonomske posledice prirodnih katastrofa [Economic consequences of natural disasters]. In Zbornik radova [Proceedings]. Beograd: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima od katastrofa, Međunarodni institut za istraživanje katastrofa.

55. Milošević, G., & Stajić, Lj. (2022). Ekonomska bezbednost [Economic security]. Novi Sad.

56. National Security Strategy of the Republic of Serbia [Nacionalna strategija bezbednosti Republike Srbije]. (2019). Službeni glasnik Republike Srbije, 94/2019.

57. Nayak, J., & Nayak, M. R. (2026). Disaster Recovery and Data Integrity in Odisha: Institutional Corruption, Crop Loss Mismatches, and the Case for District-Level Destruction Scorecards. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 91-102.

58. Perić, J., & Cvetković, V. M. (2019). Demographic, socio-economic and phycological perspective of risk perception from disasters caused by floods: Case study Belgrade. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 1(2), 31–45. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2019.1.2.3

59. Phillips, B. D. (2015). Disaster recovery: CRC press.

60. Schulze, K., Lorenz, D. F., Wenzel, B., & Voss, M. (2015). Disaster Myths and their Relevance for Warning Systems. Paper presented at the ISCRAM.

61. Tanasić, J., & Cvetković, V. (2024). The efficiency of disaster and crisis management policy at the local level: Lessons from Serbia. Belgrade: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.

62. Thankappan, A., & Ponnambath, H. S. K. (2026). Tracing Forty Years of Research on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Trends, Themes, and Future Directions. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 31–54. https://doi.org/10.66050/k5sxgr16.

Published

2026-05-21

How to Cite

Baturan, L., Milošević, G., & Cvjetković Ivetić, C. (2026). Insurance as a Model for Protecting the Economic System from Natural Disasters. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.66050/z82mwm80

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Similar Articles

1-10 of 142

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.