The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, while the Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30. Potential threats from hurricanes include powerful winds, heavy rain, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, tornadoes, and landslides.
In the United States, hurricanes are on the rise—both in terms of frequency and intensity. There was a billion-dollar plus event every 13.5 days in 2024, a marked increase from one every 82 days in 1980.
If you live in or near the path of hurricanes, it’s crucial to understand your insurance policy and the available coverages. Most insurance policies do not include flood coverage, and in hurricane-prone states, like Florida and Texas, policies may have increasingly higher wind deductibles.
Hurricanes can lead to multiple risks, including:
It’s important to build or retrofit your home with materials that can withstand high winds and heavy rain. You’ll want to consider impact-rated windows, doors, garage doors, and roofing materials. You should also consider fortifying your home with impact-rated shutters and having a backup generator for power outages.
We also offer real stories of hurricane recovery and how to prepare your family for these events.
Our Risk Advisory Leader, Brad Sawyer, shares a few of his risk mitigation insights for hurricanes and cyclones.
When hurricanes occur, the aftermath is a difficult time for many homeowners. Every claim is different, but clients often have similar concerns about what they can expect from their risk advisor and insurers. We answer the most common questions clients have post-hurricane and give tips on the hurricane recovery process in our article.
Experiencing a loss can be overwhelming and the thought of making an insurance claim may seem daunting. There is a need to act quickly and there are often many things to consider so that your interests are protected. Our Claims Analysts provide claims advocacy and expertise to all our clients to help you achieve the best possible settlement with your insurer.
File a personal lines claim.
If your home or valuables are affected by a hurricane, use our claims guide to help you prepare your materials documents, navigate the claims process, and understand the actions you may need to take.
In the United States, flooding causes more damage than any other natural disaster; it's no longer just a coastal issue.
As weather patterns shift, the risk of flooding has become a pressing concern nationwide. Preparation is key to safeguarding your assets and loved ones against the unpredictable nature of floods.
Major floods can lead to devastating consequences, including:
Flood risk is not one-size-fits-all. Even properties outside of high-risk zones file flood insurance claims.
Knowing what you’re up against can help you prepare and act with clarity.
Mudslides and Landslides:
A sudden downpour can trigger a landslide, sending debris sliding down slopes and causing billions in damage each year.
Learn more about the risks associated with landslides and mudslides.
Protecting your home is critical. Protecting your family is paramount.
NOAA’s National Weather Service urges drivers to remember a simple, life-saving phrase: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Many flood-related fatalities occur when drivers attempt to cross flooded roadways. It takes only a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away.
Before the forecast turns:
It takes only a fraction of an inch of water to flood your home. In the U.S., flooding causes more damage than any other natural disaster. Only 4% of homeowners carry flood insurance, according to FEMA, even though standard homeowners' policies typically exclude flood damage. Financial protection is often the most reliable safety net when the unexpected happens.
Our Rising Waters blog examines common insurance gaps related to flood coverage and offers guidance on assessing your flood risk. Our Fighting the Flood blog goes into flood risks and preparation a bit more as well.
For every $1 you invest in mitigation for natural disasters, it will save you $6 compared to recovery costs.
When it comes to flood safety, water will always follow gravity, but you can help guide its path. A few thoughtful upgrades can mean the difference between damp drywall and devastating damage. Our Risk Advisory Leader Brad Sawyer suggests:
Experiencing a loss can be overwhelming and the thought of making an insurance claim may seem daunting. There is a need to act quickly and there are often many things to consider so that your interests are protected. Our Claims Analysts provide claims advocacy and expertise to all our clients to help you achieve the best possible settlement with your insurer.
If your home or valuables are affected by a flood, use our claims guide to help you prepare your materials documents, navigate the claims process, and understand the actions you may need to take.
We can't predict when or where an earthquake will happen, but we can help you understand your risks and prepare in advance.
Earthquakes are a real threat in many parts of the U.S. It’s not just about the well-known areas, so we all need to think more broadly. Seismic activity can occur along both coasts and across much of the central United States and result in around $14.7 billion in damages.
According to FEMA, 45 states and territories face moderate to high earthquake risk. Unlike hurricanes, wildfires, or storms, earthquakes happen without warning, leaving little time to prepare. It’s important to consider your specific risks.
The USGS Earthquake Hazards Map can help you assess your geographic risk.
Debunking Earthquake Myths:
Common myths are worth noting to better prepare yourself, your family, and your belongings when the earth moves. Here are just a few:
Myth: Earthquakes can be predicted.
Fact: Even with new technologies, scientists and geologists cannot pinpoint the date, time, and location of earthquakes. Earthquake early-warning systems are in development in some high-risk areas of the country, like California and the Pacific Northwest.
Myth: There is such a thing as earthquake weather.
Fact: This cultural myth has no evidence to support the claim that hot, dry, or windy weather precedes an earthquake.
Myth: Stand in a doorway during an earthquake.
Fact: In the past, doorways were considered the safest way to ride out an earthquake. This is no longer true with modern construction; doorways are no safer than other areas. Drop, cover, and hold on is the best way to protect yourself when shaking starts.
Planning, preparing, and practicing before an earthquake happens is important.
Create a plan for when a quake occurs. The U.S. Geological Survey offers tips on what to do based on your location and activity during an earthquake hit. For example, stay away from fireplaces and avoid the kitchen, which can be a danger zone.
People previously thought doorways were the safest place during an earthquake. That’s no longer true with modern buildings. The recommended safety action is to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON to protect yourself when an earthquake occurs.
Read our full earthquake article for detailed tips on making a plan, what to include in your recovery kit, and tips on financial recovery after a disaster.
What you can do to prepare your property for an earthquake?
Installing a seismic shutoff valve, also called an earthquake shutoff valve, on your gas line can stop gas from entering your home, and help prevent fire.
Our Risk Advisory Leader Brad Sawyer has curated exclusive insights on this and other tips to help you reduce your risks as a homeowner. When it comes to earthquakes he also recommends:
If you have valuable articles like fine art, this requires more than simply securing the frame to the wall or strapping down heavy art pieces. We have provided guidance for discerning collectors who live in earthquake prone areas.
A strong roof helps make your home more resilient. Find out what steps you can take to improve your roof.
Experiencing a loss can be overwhelming and the thought of making an insurance claim may seem daunting. There is a need to act quickly and there are often many things to consider so that your interests are protected. Our Claims Analysts provide claims advocacy and expertise to all our clients to help you achieve the best possible settlement with your insurer.
File a personal lines claim.
If your home or valuables are affected by an earthquake, use our claims guide to help you prepare your materials documents, navigate the claims process, and understand the actions you may need to take.
Every state across the U.S. experiences tornadoes and severe weather which includes their devastating aftermath.
It is important to get familiar with the signs of a tornado and severe weather to be able to properly prepare in advance of an approaching storm. To start:
Types of risks:
Learn more about these types of storms and how they're created in our article, "Tornadoes: The wild whirlwind of nature."
Our Risk Advisor, Brad Sawyer, says a strong roof is key to a resilient home. Your roof should be inspected annually as part of routine home maintenance. A few things to consider when checking your roof:
He dives into more roof information and how to protect against wind storms with your doors, windows, and garage doors in this article from 2025.
Brad also shares these resiliency tops for severe storms:
He goes into more detail on all of these and more in his article about risk mitigation tips for homeowners.
Experiencing a loss can be overwhelming and the thought of making an insurance claim may seem daunting. There is a need to act quickly and there are often many things to consider so that your interests are protected. Our Claims Analysts provide claims advocacy and expertise to all our clients to help you achieve the best possible settlement with your insurer.
If your home or valuables are affected by a severe storm, use our claims guide to help you prepare your materials documents, navigate the claims process, and understand the actions you may need to take.
Wildfire season is now all year long and impacts every state.
Wildfires are now a year-round threat across the U.S., not just a seasonal concern in the West. Rising temperatures, drought, and more development in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas have increased the frequency and severity of wildfires.
As conditions become more conducive to wildfires, regions once considered less susceptible are now experiencing unprecedented fire activity. For example, the Northeast faced numerous wildfires in 2024: New Jersey reported 537 wildfires that burned 4,500 acres, New York had 60 wildfires that burned a total of 2,100 acres, and Connecticut experienced 70 wildfires.
Guy Carpenter reports over 60,000 communities are at risk for WUI fire activity, with California leading, followed by Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Globally, extreme fires are projected to increase by 50% by the end of the century.
Each year, wildfire professionals and the insurance industry learn more about wildfires. Among the most remarkable innovations in recent years is the game-changing app, WatchDuty. The app is free for tracking fires and alerts in up to four counties. It also offers paid services, including monitoring helicopters and planes during a fire event and measuring the distance of the fire to your location.
Our Risk Advisor, Brad Sawyer, shares how vents are often overlooked when it comes to wildfire preparedness. They can be upgraded to help prevent embers from entering the home. Replace attic, foundation, and side vents with ember-resistant options to help prevent your home from catching fire.
Other risk mitigation tips include:
Defensible space is a buffer zone surrounding your property that significantly reduces the risk of fire damage. This area serves as a protective barrier, slowing or stopping the spread of fire. There are three zones around your home with zone 0 being the most critical. We dive into each zone and what you can do in our "From Ember to Ash" article.
Have an emergency kid with essentials:
Immediate actions if a wildfire is in your area: To effectively prepare your home in advance of a wildfire, it is crucial to stay informed through local news and emergency alerts, assess your surroundings, and document your property if time permits. Key steps include preparing an evacuation kit, securing your home by closing windows and doors, turning off HVAC systems, moving pets indoors (bring them with you if you evacuate), and safeguarding valuable collections. Additionally, creating defensible space by clearing flammable materials, relocating combustibles, and wetting outdoor areas can help protect your property. For comprehensive guidance and detailed tips on each of these important actions, please read the full article.
Experiencing a loss can be overwhelming and the thought of making an insurance claim may seem daunting. There is a need to act quickly and there are often many things to consider so that your interests are protected. Our Claims Analysts provide claims advocacy and expertise to all our clients to help you achieve the best possible settlement with your insurer.
If your home or valuables are affected by a wildfire, use our claims guide to help you prepare your materials documents, navigate the claims process, and understand the actions you may need to take.
From power outages and frozen pipes to closed roads and supply delays, the impacts of a winter storm can last a while and be costly.
Winter weather can affect businesses in many parts of the country, including regions that don’t usually experience harsh conditions, like some southern states. Ice and snow can happen unexpectedly, sometimes causing disruptions and financial challenges.
Since many areas are less accustomed to severe cold, homes may be more vulnerable to damage and higher losses. It’s helpful for all regions to review their typical weather patterns and identify areas with higher risk exposure.
Winter storms affect communities nationwide. The FEMA National Risk Index indicates that winter weather risks aren’t limited to the north—they’re present in many parts of the U.S., with varying levels of frequency and impact.
Over time, more minor disasters are contributing to rising costs. While major catastrophes often make headlines, most of the increase in losses comes from smaller events like winter storms, hail, and severe thunderstorms.
Damage to homes in winter may come from various internal and external sources, including:
Our Risk Advisor, Brad Sawyer, shares how homeowners can best mitigate their risks when it comes to winter storms.
Heating Systems: Before winter unfolds, make sure your heating system is ready for its annual use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating accounts for about 29% of a household’s energy use, making it the largest home energy expense. Early-season attention can help keep that number from rising. Your heating system works better and lasts longer when properly maintained—consider the following:
Plumbing: If freezing temperatures are expected, water damage could follow. Frozen pipes can happen in any climate—all it takes is one cold snap. In warmer regions like the South, plumbing around exterior walls is common, making homes more vulnerable when temperatures drop. A burst pipe can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to repair, not including potential water damage inside the home. To help your pipes stay warm:
Roof and Gutters: When winter storms arrive, your roof is your home’s first line of defense. Ice dams can cause water to seep into walls and ceilings. Ice dams form when snow melts and refreezes on a roof repeatedly. The melted water can seep under shingles and cause damage by leaking into the attic and walls. Before the first freeze:
Drafts: A few tiny gaps in doors and windows can lead to higher energy waste. Homeowners can save an estimated 15% on heating and cooling costs by sealing leaks and adding insulation. To avoid letting money drift out of your home, do a walkthrough and:
On the Road: Winter is a notoriously challenging season for drivers. Roads can quickly become icy and treacherous, and visibility can shrink to zero in a heartbeat. The risks of property damage and personal injury are heightened in such conditions.
Experiencing a loss can be overwhelming and the thought of making an insurance claim may seem daunting. There is a need to act quickly and there are often many things to consider so that your interests are protected. Our Claims Analysts provide claims advocacy and expertise to all our clients to help you achieve the best possible settlement with your insurer.
If your home or valuables are affected by a winter storm, use our claims guide to help you prepare your materials documents, navigate the claims process, and understand the actions you may need to take.
