MEDIA ADVISORY: 2016 Hurricane Season Begins Today; I.I.I. Is Prepared With Information, Resources And Insurance Experts

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

Reporters covering the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season, which starts today, June 1, and ends on Wednesday, November 30, can contact the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) for information, analysis and interviews. 

The I.I.I. has English and Spanish-language experts who can discuss the economics of insuring against disasters, review consumer tips and coverage information and provide a historical perspective.

Already the season is well under way with two storms: Hurricane Alex, a rare January storm, and Tropical Storm Bonnie, which made landfall in South Carolina on Saturday, May 28. NOAA predicts between four and eight named storms may become hurricanes and between one and four could become major Category 3 storms or above, with winds in excess of 111 mph. 

Wind damage from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Flood damage is excluded under standard home and business policies. Separate flood coverage can be purchased from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from a few private insurance companies.

Damage to cars from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage includes wind damage, flooding and falling objects such as tree limbs.

The following online resources are also available to reporters:

Business And Consumer Information

• Homeowners And Renters Insurance
• Does My Business Need Flood Insurance?
• Hurricane Season Checklist—Homeowners Insurance Review

Facts And Statistics

• Hurricanes
• Hurricane Fact Files And Market Share By State
• Flood Insurance

Background Papers

• Catastrophes: Insurance Issues
• Hurricane And Windstorm Deductibles
• Flood Insurance
• Residual Market Property Plans

Tools

• Know Your Stuff® - Home Inventory Tool
• Know Your Plan – Disaster Planning Tool

Videos

• Making Your Home More Hurricane-Resistant: Five Steps
• Are You Underinsured?
• Filing A Homeowners Claim

Additional Resources

Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel.

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