"2008 Property Losses - The Fourth Highest Cost in a Decade"

That is according to resent data collected by ISO, an insurance risk information source. The ISO reported, "Insurers paid 3.9 million claims for damage in 40 states resulting from 2008’s 37 catastrophes. More than 2.7 million personal lines claims accounted for 64 percent of the $25.2 billion loss, while 340,000 commercial lines claims accounted for 27 percent of the total loss, and 876,000 vehicle losses accounted for 9 percent." The 37 catastrophes were due to severe weather events such as tropical storms, winter storms and particularly hurricanes.

So, what do these numbers mean for insurance consumers? Yep, higher rates. But, fortunately consumers are smarter now about their choices and coverage options. Take the example of smart consumers and do what they do when their insurance rates start to rise... shop around and find their discounts.