Hurricanes are often referred to as ‘havoc wreaking monsters’. They can sustain wind speeds in excess of 157 miles per hour and spawn tornados, hail storms, and devastating floods. In 1992, for example, Hurricane Andrew hit the United States three separate times with storm categories of 5, 4, and 3 and a wind speed of 165 mph. This storm caused the largest amount of damage in history, to date, with losses equaling twenty-six billion dollars and a death toll of sixty five. Following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, it became necessary for the insurance industry to re-evaluate the insurance processes pertaining to hurricanes. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the following changes were made: * More carefully managed coastal exposure. * Larger role of government in insuring coastal risks. * Introduction of hurricane deductibles. * Greater use of reinsurance capital from around the world. * The birth and rapid evolution of sophisticated catastrophe modeling. * Strong support for strengthened building codes and the importance of enforcement of these codes, as well as enhanced understanding of the necessity of mitigation. Currently, an additional insurance policy is required for hurricane coverage in high risk coastal states. In many areas, hurricane insurance is in force once the National Weather Service has named a storm.
Here are some basic facts:
The following is an explanation of insurance terms that may be unfamiliar to you from the Insurance Information Institute:
Questions? Call Morgan Elite Specialist Services at 281-201-1110 or visit messtx.com. Our team of certified Public Adjusters are experts on property loss adjustment who can assist policyholders in preparing, filing, and adjusting insurance claims. RELATED LINKS: www.messtx.com © 2016 MESSTX.com
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History has proven that storms do happen; adequate preparation is vital and can be the difference between life and death. The number of named storms per hurricane season can be record breaking. Although there is no correlation between the number of predicted storms and the actual number that make landfall, preparations should be made before every storm. DO: * Do contact your insurance agent every year to analyze your hurricane policy, the insured value of your property, and the percentage amount of your deductible. * Do plan an evacuation route. * Do as asked when told to evacuate by authorities. * Do make a 72-hour emergency kit for all members of the family. Include food, water, personal ID, insurance papers, prescriptions, and any other necessities. * Do cover all windows with strong protectants such as storm shutters, plywood, or storm fabric. * Do trim trees that are close to your property. * Do turn the refrigerator down to the coldest temperature. * Do take ‘before and after’ pictures of your property following the storm, inside and out. * Do make storm preparations, even if you are inland. DON’T: * Don’t wait until there is a named storm to contact your insurance agent. * Don’t wait until everyone is leaving town to evacuate. * Don’t wait to leave until the storm is so severe that it is unsafe to drive. * Don’t forget pet identification and supplies. * Don’t make an X out of tape on the windows and think you are protected; this keeps the glass from shattering into small pieces but does not prevent it from breaking. * Don’t keep loose yard items that could blow through windows in open areas. * Don’t open the refrigerator door unless absolutely necessary. * Don’t venture into the storm to take pictures. * Don’t think you are safe from a storm because you do not live on the coast. The United States has not felt the impact of a major hurricane in over 10 years and we must not become complacent. Begin now to prepare for hurricane season and follow a plan to keep your home, business, and loved ones as safe as possible.
Our certified team of Public Adjusters at Morgan Elite Specialist Services are experienced and ready to assist with your insurance claim needs. Call today at 281-201-1110 or visit messtx.com. RELATED LINKS: www.messtx.com © 2016 MESSTX.com Preparing for Hurricane Season
Part 2 Large amounts of time and money are spent every year analyzing storms and weather events that peril life and property. Our certified team of Public Adjusters at messtx.com would like to share some interesting facts and information from The Insurance Information Institute at http://www.iii.org/issue-update/catastrophes-insurance-issues. Total catastrophe losses over the 20-year period, 1993 to 2012 : Hurricanes and tropical storms - 40.4% Tornado losses - 36.0% Winter storms - 7.0% Terrorism - 6.3% Earthquakes and other geologic events - 4.7% Wind/hail/flood - 3.8% Fire - 1.7% Civil disorders, water damage, utility services disruption - >1.0%
The Saffir-Himpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to determine the category of the storm along with the associated warnings: Category 1 - Wind speeds from 74-95 mph. Will produce some damage. Example: Hurricane Dolly 2008, South Padre Island, Texas. Category 2 - Wind speeds from 96 - 110 mph. Will cause extensive damage. Example: Hurricane Frances, 2004, Port S. Lucie, Florida. Category 3 - Wind speeds from 111-129 mph. Devastating damage will occur. Example: Hurricane Ivan, 20014, Gulf Shores, Alabama. Category 4 - Wind speeds from 130 - 156 mph. Catastrophic damage will occur. Example: Hurricane Charley, 2004, Punta Gorda, Florida. Category 5 - Wind speeds over 157 mph. Catastrophic damage will occur. Example: Hurricane Andrew, 1992, Cutler Ridge, Florida Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Hurricane Center. Even the best predictions cannot outplay Mother Nature. Double-check your insurance policy for adequate coverage and take precautions to protect life and property. Always remove yourself from the path of destruction; your safety is worth more than anything you own! Our team of certified Public Adjusters stand ready to assist when disaster strikes. Contact us at 281-201-1110 or visit messtx.com. RELATED LINKS: www.messtx.com © 2016 MESSTX.com |
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