6- Financial crisis - 2008
The collapse of several banks and insurance companies such as Lehman Brothers, Northern Rock and Bear Stearns in 2008 triggered the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression in the 1930s.

Stock markets crashed, the credit crunch happened, businesses around the world went bust, governments were forced to bail out banks, the housing market suffered and unemployment hit an all time high. All and all it has cost the insurance industry billions.

7- China earthquake - 2008
The earthquake that struck China’s Sichuan Province in 2008 was the deadliest earthquake to hit China since 1976 and one of the costliest natural disasters in Chinese history.

It killed around 68,000 people, left at least 4.8 million people homeless and caused an estimated $20 billion worth of damage – most of which was not covered by insurance. Millions of livestock and a significant amount of agriculture were also destroyed.

8- Swine flu pandemic - 2009
The swine flu or H1N1 pandemic has resulted in 18,000 deaths since it began in April 2009 - approximately 4% of the 250,000 to 500,000 annual influenza deaths.

In Mexico, where the outbreak originated, nearly all public services such as schools, theatres and restaurants shut and people would only venture outside wearing a mask.

However, many people have criticised the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the media for exaggerating the danger and spreading panic unnecessarily.

9- The Icelandic volcanic ash cloud crisis -2010
The Icelandic volcanic ash cloud crisis in April this year forced airports in the UK and across Europe to cancel flights for six consecutive days, leaving thousands of passengers stranded overseas.

Disruption to flights then continued for weeks, having a serious impact on businesses and the travel industry, with airlines losing millions of pounds each day.


10- Floods in Europe and Pakistan - 2010
The 2010 Pakistan floods, which began in July, were the worst the country has experienced in decades. It is currently estimated that over 2,000 people have died while millions others have been left homeless and jobless.

Meanwhile the floods in central Europe over the summer resulted in at least 37 deaths, while thousands more had to be evacuated. Poland was the worst affected area.

Source - citywire.co.uk