Record Climate Disasters Highlight Need for Predict & Prevent Strategy in Insurance

The United States witnessed an unprecedented number of billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2023, ranging from severe storms to wildfires and floods, signaling a pivotal moment for the insurance sector. The drastic rise in climate-related catastrophes has not only heightened the financial strain on insurers and policyholders alike but also spotlighted the critical importance of adopting a Predict & Preventâ„¢ strategy. This proactive approach aims to minimize claims, reduce costs, and, most importantly, safeguard insureds from the stress and hardship of recovery, aligning perfectly with the core mission of insurance: ensuring safety and security for all.

Catastrophe losses for U.S. insurers in the first half of 2023 soared to the highest levels in over two decades, predominantly due to severe convective storms totaling $60 billion in damages. The year concluded with 28 billion-dollar weather and climate events, a stark increase from the annual average of 8.5 such events from 1980 to 2023, and an even more pronounced rise when considering the average of 20.4 events per year over the past five years.

This surge in climate disasters, coupled with escalating repair costs and economic factors, has made homeowners’ insurance increasingly unaffordable for many, exposing them to the dire financial repercussions of these events. The situation is compounded by a significant retreat of property insurers from high-risk states like California and Florida, citing unprofitability due to inadequate rates relative to the risks.

Moreover, a concerning gap in risk awareness among U.S. consumers has been identified, with many underestimating their vulnerability to extreme weather, particularly flooding, which is involved in 90% of all U.S. natural disasters. This lack of awareness underscores the urgent need for enhanced consumer education on risk management and the benefits of the Predict & Prevent model.

Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope, such as the success story of Whisker Labs’ Ting plug-in sensor, which exemplifies the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) devices to mitigate risks on a broader scale, including preventing catastrophic wildfires. These innovations highlight the transformative impact of technology in advancing the Predict & Prevent strategy and the overall resilience of communities to climate threats.

The insurance industry is poised at a critical juncture, where the integration of predictive technologies and preventive measures can significantly alter the landscape of risk management and disaster resilience. As we delve into these topics through our Predict & Prevent podcast series and weekly newsletter, we invite risk and insurance professionals to join the conversation and contribute to shaping a safer, more resilient future.