2012 tornado season could be as active as the now notorious 2011

Last year, the U.S. was subject to an unnaturally active tornado season. The season spawned outbreaks of violent windstorms and powerful tornados that cut a path of destruction through much of the mid and mid-eastern states. Last year saw a total of 1,709 tornadoes touched down in the U.S. While this is well short of the 1,817 that formed in 2004, these tornados were far more destructive and widespread. Indeed, 2011 was one of the most disastrous years in recent history, so much such that the insurance industry was hoping…

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Louisiana insurance rebates remain unclaimed by policyholders eligible to claim the money

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says that $270 million in insurance rebates still remains unclaimed by policyholders this week. Late last month, Donelon issued a notice to policyholders explaining that they could be eligible for rebates. Thus far, however, no one has come forward looking to claim their share of the money. If the funds remain unclaimed, the state may seek to take control of the money. Such a move would only be possible if the state’s Legislature passes new laws regarding the matter. The money was recovered from property/casualty…

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Coastal area residents should prepare for the worst

The impending hurricane season is expected to be one of the most active in years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).While it is impossible to predetermine whether hurricanes forming in the Atlantic Ocean will ever reach land, NOAA is advising residents of coastal areas to be prepared for the worst. The Insurance Information Institute recently released a statement regarding the importance of adequate property insurance, particularly for those living in Florida. According to the Institute, there are many things to consider when preparing for hurricanes. Florida has…

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Officials urge policy reviews due to predictions of an overactive hurricane season

In the last two months, the southern and Midwest portions of the U.S. have been pounded by a rash of tornado outbreaks. These tornadoes have caused billions of dollars worth of damages and taken hundreds of lives. Unfortunately, they have struck areas where many of the homeowners were not insured or underinsured for the amount of damage that occurred. In the past eight weeks there have been reports of over one thousand tornadoes; 960 of those reports have been confirmed. This year, the portion of the U.S. known as “tornado…

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Hurricane season quickly moves in while many still pick up the pieces from the last storm

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a tumultuous hurricane season this year. The forecast, released Thursday, predicts that as many as six major hurricanes could form over the Atlantic Ocean this season. This is unsettling news for many states in the south currently struggling with national disasters of their own. Insurance companies are bracing for yet more damages. Last year’s hurricane season was relatively tame. Winds kept most tropical storms at sea and prohibited them from forming into hurricanes. “However, we can’t count on luck to get us…

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