The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene sheds light on the widespread lack of flood insurance, revealing critical challenges in accessibility, affordability, and risk awareness.
As COP29 unfolds in a year of record-high temperatures, new research reveals accelerating climate effects, from supercharged storms and wildfire deaths to a slowing Atlantic current, raising concerns about a range of tipping points.
The Insurance Information Institute’s latest report highlights the increasing flood risks faced by inland areas due to shifting weather patterns. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and thunderstorms are pushing the boundaries of flood-prone regions, underscoring the need for better insurance coverage, flood resilience, and mitigation strategies to bridge the protection gap in non-coastal communities.
Insurance claims in Florida from Hurricanes Helene and Milton have reached $4.775 billion, up $169 million from last week’s total. The storms have left extensive residential and commercial property damage, according to the Office of Insurance Regulation.
Support grows for a new Florida Bar board certification in "Insurance Coverage Law," aiming to help residents find specialized legal help for insurance disputes following major hurricane seasons.
As Hurricane Milton hit Florida, resilience-focused communities like Babcock Ranch and Hunters Point emerged unscathed, showcasing how disaster preparedness measures protect homes and reduce long-term costs, even amid costly initial investments.
Ahead of the 2024 hurricane season, St. Petersburg reduced Tropicana Field’s wind and flood coverage from $100 million to $25 million, exposing the city to significant risk. After Hurricane Milton destroyed the stadium’s roof, officials now face uncertainties about potential coverage shortfalls.
In 2024, hurricanes have left an estimated 347,000 vehicles with flood damage across the U.S., CARFAX reports. Experts caution that many may be resold, potentially concealing dangerous and costly water damage.
A recent IRC survey reveals that attorney advertising may be influencing auto insurance costs, as 60% of respondents link it to higher claims and 52% believe it raises insurance premiums.
Following Hurricane Helene’s landfall in Florida, over 54,000 NFIP flood insurance claims have been filed, with FEMA reporting $480 million in early claims payments. This storm, among the most significant for NFIP, may see more claims as impacted areas become accessible.
A Texas A&M study shows a nearly 20% increase in extreme rainfall during storms like Hurricane Helene, linking climate change to intensified flooding risks across the southeastern United States.
The devastation from Hurricane Helene reveals a significant inland flood-protection gap, particularly in flood-prone communities without sufficient insurance coverage, where misinformation and funding challenges further slow recovery efforts.
Hurricane Milton has resulted in over $2 billion in insured losses in Florida, with more than 230,000 claims filed. Most claims are for residential properties, and 12.8% have been closed so far.
Florida’s Emergency Rule 69BER24-4 introduces stricter ethical guidelines and transparency requirements for all insurance adjusters, particularly impacting public adjusters, with the aim of reducing unethical practices in the claims process.
Insured losses from global natural catastrophes exceeded the 10-year average, driven by frequent storms and floods, while total economic losses for 2024 remained slightly below average.