Variations in ‘Named Storm’ Deductibles Make Collecting Evidence Confusing
Last year was a tough one for storms, as the U.S. saw more than $200 billion worth of damage from 17 named storms. This record blew past the previous one, $159 billion in 2005, in part because people have continued to move to coastal areas and property values have increased. Over the years insurance companies have introduced “named storm” deductibles to help balance the risk between policyholders and insurers, but they bring their own issues, such as collecting evidence for coverage and other details. “Catastrophe management can make or break a carrier’s reputation, and having dedicated and knowledgeable staff is key,” says Stacey Giulianti, co-founder and chief legal officer of Florida Peninsula Insurance and Edison Insurance. Here’s what you need to know about “named storm” deductibles. A Variety of Deductible Options The biggest challenge carriers face, especially when explaining named-storm coverage to customers, revolves around the deductible, Giulianti says. “Hurricane” …
