"Un patto con l’Italia sulle polizze"

The Italian insurance sector, represented by the Association of Insurance Companies (Ania), has unveiled a series of proposals aimed at strengthening both the country's financial security and its resilience against natural disasters. These initiatives were presented during Ania’s annual assembly on July 3, 2026, where President Giovanni Liverani addressed high-profile figures including Senate President Ignazio La Russa and two deputy prime ministers. The proposals span multiple areas, including youth pensions, disaster coverage, and broader economic contributions.

One of the most notable elements of the proposal involves providing a €100 bonus to individuals turning eighteen, which would be tied exclusively to a supplementary pension fund or a previdential policy. According to Liverani, this initiative aims to instill a sense of long-term financial responsibility among young Italians as they enter the workforce. He explained that these initial funds could grow significantly over time—potentially reaching €130, €140, or even €160—by the time recipients begin their careers. This growth would highlight the value of supplementary pension schemes early in life, encouraging greater participation in such programs.

In addition to the youth-focused bonus, Ania is advocating for increased tax deductibility of contributions made to pension funds. Currently, the limit stands at €5,300, a figure deemed inadequate by Liverani to fully encourage the approximately 20 million potential participants who remain hesitant about joining. Alongside this, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the portability of employer-funded contributions, allowing workers to transfer their contributions between different pension funds. Although this measure was recently introduced, it has already faced criticism from some stakeholders who fear it might weaken corporate pension funds. Despite this concern, Liverani urged policymakers not to delay its implementation, acknowledging the need to protect existing arrangements while promoting flexibility.

Another significant part of Ania’s agenda focuses on expanding mandatory insurance coverage for private residences against natural disasters. While current regulations require businesses to have coverage against catastrophic events, the penetration rate remains low—approximately double since last year but still below expectations. Liverani proposed extending similar requirements to private homes, particularly for properties that have benefited from recent fiscal incentives for renovations. This move aims to ensure that homeowners are better prepared for risks associated with seismic and hydrological hazards, thereby reducing the overall burden on public resources during crises.

Beyond these specific measures, Liverani highlighted the role of insurance companies as strategic infrastructure for national growth. He challenged common misconceptions about the industry, arguing that insurance should not be viewed merely as a cost or a tax on fear but rather as a protective shield and a driver of economic development. Citing statistics, he noted that the insurance sector had achieved a premium collection of €182 billion, a Solvency Ratio of 274 percent, and over €1 trillion in active investments, making it Italy’s largest private institutional investor. Approximately one-quarter of these investments are allocated toward the country’s public debt, underscoring the sector’s substantial contribution to the economy.

In addressing the auto insurance landscape, Liverani called for leveraging technology to create a fairer system. His vision includes using comprehensive data to determine insurance premiums based more on driving behavior than geographic location, thus rewarding cautious drivers and effectively combating fraud and evasion. During the assembly, Minister of Infrastructure Matteo Salvini pointed out that nearly nine million vehicles out of the total 47 million registered in the country lack proper insurance coverage, highlighting the urgency of reform.

Ania also proposed increasing the involvement of insurance companies in supporting the public healthcare system. Liverani suggested creating additional layers of protection by channeling the €42 billion annually spent by citizens out-of-pocket on medical care through health funds and policies. This approach would serve as a secondary and tertiary pillar reinforcing the National Health Service, offering more robust financial safeguards for patients.

Finally, Liverani issued a direct appeal to the government regarding upcoming budgetary discussions. He warned against implementing retroactive taxes, unusual levies, or extraordinary contributions, emphasizing that the stability of the insurance sector should not be treated as a readily available resource during times of fiscal strain. Such actions, he argued, could undermine family savings and reduce the capacity of insurance companies to sustain investments and drive economic growth. His message concluded with a call to institutions to recognize the insurance sector not just as a financial entity but as a powerful lever capable of bolstering the nation’s resilience and prosperity.