Media Advisory: I.I.I. Experts available to discuss insurance implications of winter storm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org

NEW YORK, January 26, 2015 — Ice, snow and high winds are expected to wreak havoc over the next few days in the Northeast, but the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) is available to provide information, analysis and interviews.

“Severe winter weather caused 15 percent of all insured auto, home and business catastrophe losses in the United States in 2014,” said Dr. Robert Hartwig, president of the I.I.I. and an economist. “Losses from snow, ice, freezing and related causes totaled $2.3 billion last year, after averaging about $1.2 billion annually over the previous 20 years. Insured losses caused by winter weather were $1.9 billion in 2013 so the last two years have been well above what the insurance industry has traditionally seen from this type of severe weather,” Hartwig added.

Reporters can contact the following I.I.I. insurance experts for information or interviews:

• Dr. Robert Hartwig, President and Economist: 917-453-1885; bobh@iii.org
• Jeanne Salvatore, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer: 917-612-4088; jeannes@iii.org
• Michael Barry, Vice President, Media Relations: 917-923-8245; michaelb@iii.org
• Loretta Worters Vice President, Communications: 917-620-0982; lorettaw@iii.org
• Elianne González, Spanish-language representative: (954) 684-4410; elianneg@iii.org

RELATED LINKS

Issues Update: Catastrophes: Insurance Issues

Facts and Statistics: Winter Storms

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org