Zurich survey: Insurance is no luxury in times of economic crisis

Zurich, January 15, 2013 – Europeans remain deeply concerned about the economic crisis. When it comes to reducing expenses, they see the greatest potential in the more discretionary areas of dining out, holidays and clothing. By contrast insurance, education and rent are viewed as essential. These are the findings of a survey conducted by GfK on behalf of Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) in seven* European countries.

Not surprisingly, the economic crisis is worrying people in Mediterranean countries the most. About 70% of those interviewed in Portugal, 65% in Italy and 59% in Spain are highly concerned about the ongoing financial crisis. In Austria (44%) and Germany (38%) the percentage is significantly lower, yet, the Russians (31%) and the Swiss (28%) are the least concerned. Overall respondents believe that people themselves are more likely than politicians to find a way out of the crisis. While in Spain, one in six and in Russia, Portugal and Italy, one in  seven are afraid of  losing their job; in Germany and Switzerland under 5% and in Austria only 1% of those interviewed are afraid of being made redundant.

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