Hurricane Florence Expected to Cause Widespread Property Damage

Storm already impacting millions in the U.S. southeastern and mid-Atlantic states

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Kim Kirchner, Coburn Communication: (212) 536-9837; Kim.Kirchner@coburnww.com  
Michael Barry, Insurance Information Institute (917) 923-8245; michaelb@iii.org

 

Hurricane Florence Expected to Cause Widespread Property Damage

Storm already impacting millions in the U.S. southeastern and mid-Atlantic states

NEW YORK, September 12, 2018 —Hurricane Florence’s strong winds and heavy rainfall are headed to the U.S. East Coast, and the property damage Florence could cause will be covered by different insurance policies, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Wind-caused property damage is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Renters’ coverage covers only the renters’ possessions; the landlord insures the structure.

Flood-caused property damage generally is covered under FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies, if the homeowner, renter, or business has purchased one. Some homeowners and businesses have coverage for flood-caused property damage through private insurers, however.

Wind and flood-caused property damage to private-passenger vehicles are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers choose to purchase comprehensive coverage.

More than 1 million residents have already evacuated coastal communities in North Carolina and South Carolina but those who reside in the inland parts of those states should also prepare for Florence, which is expected to make landfall later this week, by taking these steps:

  • Write down the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance professional and keep this information either in your wallet or purse.
  • Purchase any emergency supplies you don't already have, such as batteries and flashlights.
  • Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could be picked up by high winds.
  • Fill your car's gasoline tank.

The I.I.I. has additional resources on the insurance markets in the states Hurricane Florence is expected to impact most directly as well as historical data on U.S. hurricanes.

Hurricane Fact Files:  Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia

Facts and Statistics: Hurricanes

Triple-I blog: Hurricane Florence’s Insurance Implications

 

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, www.iii.org

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