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Hurricane Insurance Coverage

Hurricanes and Windstorm Coverage Case Studies and Coverages

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Windstorm losses, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms, can create massive destruction over widespread areas. When these property losses occur, it opens the door to many complicated ambiguities with insurance during the adjustment process.

In this issue, veteran public adjuster Keith Hayman of Adjusters International analyzes several of the most common points of contention that arise regarding insurance coverage following a windstorm loss.

This article provides insights and case studies to help property owners better prepare themselves in the event of a major storm loss.

—Sheila E. Salvatore, Editor

The historic 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons exposed many businesses and homeowners to the nuances and ambiguities of insurance coverage. Before 2004, it had been over 100 years since four hurricanes had impacted one state in a single year. Due to the widespread damage from the storms, interpretation of coverage became a major issue for policyholders seeking to recover all the monies due under their insurance contract. The insurance claim process was further complicated by multiple occurrences

affecting the same insurable interest. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina highlighted issues involving flood versus windstorm coverage. In addition to coverage issues, reconstruction and mitigation became increasingly difficult when the resources of insurance companies, contractors, roofers, suppliers, and the government were spread thin.

Since hurricanes are largely unpredictable, policyholders along the coasts must always