The property losses sustained this past year from 37 catastrophes -- the highest frequency in a decade -- will likely cost U.S. P&C insurers billions of dollars. Indeed, a preliminary analysis conducted by ISO's Property Claim Services Unit (PCS) predicts that P&C insurers will shell out $25.2 billion to homeowners and businesses for 2008 catastrophe losses. This figure represents the fourth highest cost in decade.

PCS estimates that insurers paid 3.9 million claims for damages 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 claims relating to 340,000 commercial lines accounted for 27 percent of the total loss. The remaining 9 percent of total property losses related to 876,000 vehicle losses.

The catastrophes in 2008 were the result of hurricanes, severe weather, winter storms, and tropical storms. Hurricanes caused the most significant loss, currently estimated at $13.3 billion in insured damage. Severe weather events -- those producing damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flooding -- caused an estimated $10.5 billion in losses. Winter storms caused more than $1 billion in losses, while two tropical storms cost insurers $300 million.

"There are several extraordinary characteristics of the 2008 catastrophes," said Gary Kerney, assistant vice president, PCS. "Foremost are the six consecutive tropical systems that made landfall on U.S. coastlines. Dolly, Eduoard, Fay, Hanna, Gustav, and Ike struck along the coastline stretching from southern Texas to Virginia.

Unusually frequent tornado touchdowns and related insured property damage contributed to record-setting frequency and significant losses in the first six months of 2008. All of this activity was followed by a very quiet fourth quarter in which PCS declared only one catastrophe -- a winter storm in mid-December."

Among the 40 states experiencing insured losses from catastrophes in 2008, the states with the largest losses are Texas ($10.2 billion); Louisiana ($2.2 billion); Minnesota ($1.6 billion); Ohio ($1.3 billion); and Georgia ($1.0 billion).

Interested in more catastrophe news and in-depth articles? Head over to Claims' catastrophe channel for more information.

Special Reports /

2008 Catastrophe Claims Tally $25.2 Billion

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