Gulf Coast and Florida Storms Will Increase Your Insurance?

According to a recent ABC News story, people are already feeing the effects of past and upcoming Gulf Coast and Florida storms. The effects they are feeling are higher insurance rates and possibly loosing their homeowners insurance coverage altogether.

Regardless of where you live, the more insurance companies have to pay out for damages to storms across the country, the more the cost of those payments will be spread out among all people who purchase insurance. So, are we just at the mercy of Mother Nature?

Not necessarily. People closer to possible storm areas will pay more. Local, state, or the federal government could make better building code laws such as storm resistant construction along the coast or even restrict the development of coastal homes and business. These measures would reduce the amount of damage due to storms, and in return there would be less damage claims that insurance companies would have to pay out for.

What can people do now if they are loosing their insurance due to the ripple effects of these storms? Thankfully there is a government sponsored Fair Plan that will provide insurance to people who otherwise may not qualify for private insurance..but it will cost much more than many are used to paying. Another solution? Move! Although rates will go up for everyone, if an area seems to be at a higher risk, moving to a lower risk area will be cheaper. If one would rather stay put, they can improve their home structure to be more resistant to storms, shop around for a better rate, and make sure they are getting all the insurance discounts they are entitled to.