Natural disasters caused insured losses of $US7 billion ($7.42 billion) in the first quarter of this year, as about 70 events hit worldwide, according to Impact Forecasting.

Europe endured its costliest windstorm season since 2009/10, with insurers expected to pay out more than $US4 billion ($4.24 billion), the Aon Benfield subsidiary says.

In the US, insured losses from severe winter storms last month totalled about $US2.6 billion ($2.75 billion). One storm brought snow, sleet, freezing rain and flooding to the Carolinas and Virginia, with an expected insurance payout above $US50 million ($53 million).

A mudslide in Oso, Washington, killed at least 34 people and destroyed 50 homes. Insured content losses are estimated at $US3 million ($3.18 million).

The Insurance Council of New Zealand reports more than 1000 claims were filed after floods hit Canterbury in March, with losses expected to be in the millions of dollars.

Impact meteorologist Steve Bowen says total loss estimates for the quarter are similar to the first quarter in 2012 and last year, but well below 2010 and 2011.

While the losses are manageable, the second and third quarters are historically the costliest for the industry, he says.