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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Insurance industry climate needs spur new NOAA and NSF research center
A new agreement between the NOAA and NSF will support the creation of the new facility. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Science Foundation (NSF) have reached an agreement to establish a research center in order to help meet the changing needs of the insurance industry due to climate change. Insurers and reinsurers are among those experiencing the earliest repercussions of climate change. Moreover, the reinsurance and insurance industry are also among those who must develop a specific response to climate change. It must adapt to rapidly…
Read MoreFlood insurance program risks expiry (again) as hurricane season starts
Seven million homes are at risk of damage from Atlantic storms and coverage may be up in the air again. After already facing a named storm this year, the flood insurance program is back in the spotlight. Yet again, after the disaster – both left behind by weather and in the expiration of the program – in 2017, the coverage program is due to expire. Last year brought record-breaking damages from natural disasters and the full totals aren’t in yet. This year, Americans are feeling less confident about their safety…
Read More2018 Hurricane Season should be an average one, says Munich Re
The Germany based reinsurer is predicting fewer storms than 2017’s record breaking year. Munich Re is predicting an average 2018 Hurricane Season. This comes as somewhat of a relief following the record-breaking destruction left behind last year. The 2017 season brought insurance companies approximately $135 billion in costs. Munich Re is the second largest reinsurance company in the world and releases its predictions publicly. The world’s second biggest reinsurance company predicts that there will be notably fewer powerful tropical storms in the 2018 Hurricane Season than there were last year.…
Read MoreHomeowners insurance sector could see some turbulence this hurricane season
NOAA predictions could bode ill for homeowners insurance sector Hurricane season is nearly here, and that could mean trouble for the U.S. east coast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a new report concerning the arrival of hurricane season and what that could mean for states along the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricanes have proven to be a major concern for the U.S. over the past few years, especially when it comes to homeowners insurance and flood coverage. Hurricane Sandy is the most recent example of the damage that…
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