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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org
NEW YORK, November 30, 2015 — The 2015 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends today, November 30. And while meteorologists were right in their predictions of a below-normal season, that did not mean a complete absence of hurricane activity, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)
In fact, there were 11 tropical storms and four hurricanes (Danny, Fred, Joaquin and Kate). Two of the four hurricanes became major ones at their respective peaks: Danny (Category 3) and Joaquin (Category 4). Fortunately, none stuck the United States at full force; had they done so, the damage could have been devastating.
Five of the 10 costliest hurricanes in U.S. history, as defined by insured losses, have occurred over the past decade. Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma caused extensive property damage to multiple Gulf Coast states in 2005; Ike touched down in Texas in 2008; and Sandy generated insured losses in more than a dozen states in 2012 after making landfall in New Jersey as a post-tropical cyclone.
The National Hurricane Center found that, between 1966 and 2009, the typical year featured 11 named storms, and six hurricanes (winds of 74 miles per hour, or higher). Two of the six hurricanes became major ones with average winds of 111 miles per hour, or higher—the wind speed threshold needed to become a Category 3 hurricane.
Wind damage from both tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Flood damage resulting from storm surge caused by hurricanes is excluded under these policies; flood coverage is available, however, from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from a few private insurance companies.
Damage to cars from either tropical storms or hurricanes is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. This includes wind damage, flooding and even falling objects such as tree limbs. More than 75 percent of U.S. drivers choose to purchase comprehensive auto coverage.
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