2023 Surge In $1 Billion Weather Disasters Across The United States Breaks Record
So far in 2023, the United States has sustained a total of 23 verified weather-related disasters surpassing $1 billion in estimated damages. Of the 23 verified billion-dollar events, eight are categorized as multi-billion-dollar events, according to the Gallagher Re Natural Catastrophe Report. This report, furnished annually by global reinsurer Gallagher Re, summarizes preliminary global loss totals and major catastrophe events that occurred during the first half of the year. The incidents noted in the report encompass 2 flooding events, 18 severe storms, 1 tropical cyclone, 1 wildfire, and 1 winter storm occurrence. Weather events exceeding 1 billion dollars in damage are growing and happening more frequently. Additionally, there are many more damaging events resulting in under a billion in damage which are still significant. It is yet to be determined what the total amount of property damage will be by 2024. Due to the amount of property insurance claims resulting from these events, policyholders should make sure the damage to their property is fully inventoried and documented to ensure they are getting a fair settlement from their insurance carrier. Public adjusters are an asset to assist, as they only represent the policyholder, not the insurance carrier. Public adjusters are licensed by states to interpret insurance policies, properly scope damage, and work on behalf of insureds to resolve their claims.
As of August 2023, cumulative losses for the year have reached a staggering $57.6 billion. This places 2023 third in history for losses within the 40-year data range for this time of year. During the month of August, eight additional billion-dollar weather disasters were officially confirmed. These included Hurricane Idalia, the Hawaii Firestorm, the mid-July Northeast flooding, North Central U.S. Severe Weather, the Minnesota Hailstorms on August 11, along with various other severe storm events that transpired in late July and early August.
Many policyholders have no idea their roofs were damaged by hail in 2023. Constant hail roof claims add up and produce losses that are on par with significant events like a hurricane. It has been an incredibly active year. Gallagher Re’s Natural Catastrophe Report states; “Hail has historically been a main driver of SCS losses on an annual basis in the US, particularly to the agriculture, residential and automotive lines of business. Expanding urban footprints in hail prone regions, in tandem with the increasing cost and size of homes has further enhanced hail related claims in recent years. In June alone, there were at least 349 reports of hail reaching and exceeding 2.0+ in (5.1+ cm) across the US and 89 reports of hail 3.0+ in (7.6+ cm) or larger. These counts both set a record for any month in recent history beating the previous highs of 316 and 61 respectively which were set in May 2011. During the month, hail which approached or exceeded 4.0 in (10.2 cm), the size of a softball, pelted localities in at least ten states.
It’s important to speak with your insurance agent to ensure your insurance policy fully covers your risk. Due to the increasing weather events in the United States you don’t want to find out you are under insured or don’t have coverage at all at the time you need to file a claim.
