The importance of coverage in these storms is clear, but many wonder how they affect premiums. Aside from emergency supplies and a safe place to stay throughout a hurricane, homeowners insurance is one of the most important things that a family can have to protect them against the potential devastation of a storm. But what is not as clearly understood, is if weather like Sandy will drive premiums skyward. Some estimates have said that the damage that hurricane Sandy could cause throughout its time after making landfall could reach as…
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California at risk for major earthquake
Geologists meet in California to highlight earthquake concerns California is no stranger to earthquakes; indeed, thousands of seismic events of varying degrees happen every day in the state. Last week, concerns regarding a massive, nationwide earthquake were drummed up when more than 9 million people throughout the state participated in an earthquake drill. California insurers are well versed in the risks associated with earthquakes in the state. What has many insurers worried, however, are the risks associated with a nationwide catastrophe. The U.S. Geological Survey met with risk professionals in…
Read MoreAuto insurance prices increasing for third year
The cost of vehicle coverage will rise by 2.8 percent this year. American drivers are likely to experience yet another increase in their auto insurance rates, for the third year in a row as insurers attempt to increase their profits in a time that interest rates have been held at record lows, and natural disasters have caused costs to skyrocket. The average driver will likely see an increase of 2.8 percent, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This means that consumers who were paying an average of $816 last year…
Read MoreHurricane insurance lesson learned by residents of Connecticut
Tropical Storm Irene had shoreline residents discovering things the hard way. For residents of Connecticut, who live along the shoreline, if previous storms had not taught them the lesson about the necessity for hurricane insurance, it was likely learned as a result of Tropical Storm Irene. The first issue was the complexity of a large type of claim on a policy. When a claim must be made on hurricane insurance, if it is a very large one, there are many issues that must be considered and this can make for…
Read MoreInsurers pulling out of markets in the wake of natural disasters
The natural disaster rate climbs as industry reevaluates high risk areas. Natural disasters seem to be happening more regularly, a fact that the global insurance industry is becoming uncomfortable with. In terms of insurance, powerful storms and weather-related catastrophes are becoming more commonplace. As such, insurers are feeling the pressure of increased liability and the potential for steep financial losses in the wake of a catastrophic event. There is a strange trend gaining momentum in the industry today, which is spurred by the severity of recent natural disasters. Insurance markets…
Read MoreHomeowners insurance rates continue to skyrocket
Homeowners face increasing struggles as their home values continue to fall and maintenance costs continue to climb, with a new setback consisting of significantly higher insurance payments. Insurance rates for homes have been increasing steadily over the last few years, and the Insurance Information Institute has indicated that this year is expected to continue in that trend, with a rise of about 5 percent to reach an average of $1,004. This will have been the largest annual increase since the start of the recession, and will mark the first time…
Read MoreUnderstanding what is – and is not – covered by tornado insurance
The surge of destructive and deadly twisters last week has put the spotlight on tornado insurance once more, as consumers attempt to understand the type of coverage that it will provide, including why many homeowners are still forced to pay repair bills related to tornado damage regardless of their policies. The Insurance Information Institute has said that the majority of insurance policies for homeowners, businesses, and vehicles will include tornadoes as an element of their standard severe weather and wind coverage. Typically speaking, renters’ and homeowners’ insurance will cover the…
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