Higher Insurance Rates During Hurricane Season
Jun 1, 2011
The following article was posted to the WCTV2 website on June 1, 2011:
Higher Insurance Rates During Hurricane Season
By Troy Kinsey
Higher insurance rates are almost a given with a powerful hurricane.
But, it’s what’s already happened here in Missouri, here in Alabama, and way over here in Japan that could drive up your premium beginning now.
Insurance companies around the world have to pay for the damages through what’s known as reinsurance.
It’s a concept homeowner Jack Kaufman just can’t get over.
“I know it’s unfortunate, but houses get wiped out and in order for them to come back, I’ve got to pay for that? I mean, it would almost be like charging people in California in advance of an earthquake that may or may not happen. It’s disappointing, I understand where it’s going to happen, but it’s absolutely going to hit me square in the wallet, ” Kaufman says.
All told, the damage exacted by the events here at home and in japan totals more than the cataclysmic impact of hurricane Katrina back in 2005.
Meanwhile, rates are bound to climb again, like they did back then, they may not go nearly as high.
That’s because tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis are viewed differently than hurricanes, especially if they happen in rural communities.
Insurance companies are negotiating their re-insurance contracts this month.
And, industry expert Bob Lotane predicts rates could rise by as much as 20 percent, but no more.
Lotane says, “I think we’re going to see a harder market, it will probably… we’re not going to see any lowering of prices, and that might have happened were it not for these events. And, in some instances we’ll see some increases in prices.”
Premiums aren’t doubling or tripling like they did five years ago, but that’s little consolation for Jack, whose savings account could be about to feel the pain.
Jack says, “You’re going to wipe that out so that 12 guys who are CEO’s can have their wallets get a little bit fatter? I think it’s taking advantage of people.”
Find this article here: http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Higher_Insurance_Rates_During_Hurricane_Season_122919303.html