2011 breaks record for most federal disaster declarations in nation’s history

This year has broken the record for federal disaster declarations according to the Insurance Information Institute, and the year is not over yet. While 2010 may have set a new record for the number of declared disasters in the nation’s history, 2011 has shattered that record in both number and cost. With three months left in the already infamous 2011, analysts are concerned that more natural disasters could be on the way as a final farewell to the year. With two consecutive years of costly catastrophes, many wonder what is…

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Allstate proposes higher rates for Pennsylvania homes

Allstate of Pennsylvania has issued a new rate proposal for its property and casualty insurance lines. The company is seeking to raise its rates due to the unprecedented frequency of national disasters befalling the state. These disasters have placed the insurer under enormous financial pressure as it attempts to mitigate the damage caused by this year’s multitude of storms. The insurer is asking state regulators for approval to raise its rates by an average of 20% for the 195,000 policies in effect in Pennsylvania. This year’s storms have caused damage…

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How will the National Flood Insurance Program avoid a watery grave?

As of September 30, 2011, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is due to expire for the tenth time in a period of 24 months. The NFIP is designed to provide homeowners and business owners with affordable flood insurance, and it does so within 21,000 communities across the country for over 5.6 million homes and businesses. Cleveland Area Board of Realtors co-director, Barbara Lachowicz, explained that the program is vital to a housing market that is capable of functioning properly. She went on to say that “Americans deserve access to…

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