Foto: BB.LV / Милда
The Freedom Monument in Riga is once again insured for 1.5 million euros this year. The insurance coverage for one of Latvia's main symbols has been expanded: it now includes protection against new risks that were not previously covered by the policy. This was reported by the LETA agency. The monument has been insured for the 23rd consecutive year. The policy is provided to the city free of charge by BTA Baltic Insurance Company. ### From fires to landslides: what does the insurance cover? The insurance for the Freedom Monument provides protection against a wide range of possible damages. This includes fires, smoke damage, storms, hail, floods, damage from vehicles, leaks from damaged pipelines, landslides, and ground subsidence. Additionally, the insurance covers intentional damage to the monument by third parties. Since 2008, the monument has also been insured against desecration. This year, the insurance coverage has been further expanded; however, the specific new risks added have not been specified in the announcement. ### What compensation has already been paid? Although the Freedom Monument is insured for a substantial amount, actual insurance claims in the past have been primarily related to much less significant incidents. As reported by Dienas Bizness, in the first nine years of insurance, 15 claims were registered. Of these, 14 were related to individuals who relieved themselves at the monument. Among the offenders were both residents of Latvia and foreign citizens. For such cases, compensation of 150 lats (about 213 euros) was provided, which was used to address the consequences of the incidents. Subsequently, the insurer could recover the paid amounts from the offenders. In total, over nine years, compensation for intentional violations amounted to 2250 lats, or about 3200 euros. ### A drunk driver crashed into the monument However, among the insurance incidents, there was also a more serious case. In 2010, a drunk driver of a Mitsubishi Pajero crashed into the steps of the Freedom Monument. This incident was also registered by the insurer. Thus, by 2013, there were 15 insurance claims, including 14 episodes of desecration and the incident involving the vehicle. In 2016, there were already 19 claims for insurance compensation reported, of which 18 were related to the desecration of the monument. ### Can insurance protect the monument from drones? The question of new risks is particularly relevant against the backdrop of changing security situations in the region. In August 2026, BTA announced the introduction of separate insurance coverage for private property in the event of certain military incidents, including damage from drones, missiles, their debris, and shockwaves. However, this does not mean that similar protection is included in the policy for the Freedom Monument. The company has not yet disclosed what specific additional risks are covered in the contract for 2026. The insured amount for the monument remains the same — 1.5 million euros. At the same time, it is not an assessment of its historical or cultural value.
