Is your house and home insurance ready for a strong El Niño?

Home insurance - El Nino

The last time there was a similar El Niño event, the increased rainfall doubled claims at Mercury. As of this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a statement predicting a significant El Niño event, which has insurers bracing for increased home insurance claims. The conditions are already building, and strength is only expected to rise as winter gets nearer. El Niño is a type of abnormally warm Pacific Ocean temperature near the equator. When this happens, though the change in temperature may seem slight, the impact on…

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Tornado insurance claims from Mississippi approaching $100 million

Tornado insurance - Tornado near home

The twister in March left a lengthy path of destruction through several parts of the state. The tornado insurance losses from the twister that ripped through parts of Mississippi in March are rapidly climbing, to the point that they are now nearing $100 million. Uninsured losses from the damage are expected to be even greater than those that are covered. The Mississippi Delta experienced particular damage from the storm, and it is among the poorest regions of the United States. As a result, tornado insurance coverage in the area hardest…

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It’s that sewer backup insurance time of year again

Sewer backup insurance - Flooded sewer

Springtime is a big reminder of why this type of additional coverage can be very worthwhile. Springtime comes with melting snow and heavy downpours while the ground is already saturated with moisture, reminding many people of the importance of sewer backup insurance for their homes and businesses. This is a common time of year for people to find that there is water on the lower level of their homes. Basements are at a particularly high risk but in some areas, where the water levels are high enough, the ground floor…

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As floodwaters rise in California, flood insurance covers few homeowners

Flood insurance - Home near rising waters

Rainstorms have been soaking the state, placing property owners at risk of uncovered water damage. Throughout the entire state of California, only about 230,000 homes and other properties are covered by flood insurance policies. This coverage is not included in standard home policies, leaving Californians vulnerable. Therefore, only about 2 percent of California properties have flood insurance coverage against rising waters from storms such as those that have been soaking the state in recent weeks. For most of the properties that are covered, the federal government is the insurer. About…

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Colorado homeowners scramble to find affordable wildfire insurance

Wildfire insurance - Homeowners Coverage

State lawmakers are pursuing a government-run plan for property owners to use as a last resort. Residents of Colorado are well aware of the importance of wildfire insurance, following several years of major blazes. That said, they are struggling to find the coverage they need, particularly at an affordable price. State Representative Judy Amabile (D) has seen her own neighbors and constituents struggling. “I am starting to hear some of my neighbors are not getting renewed and I would have never dreamed I was at risk of a wildfire,” said…

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