Estimates of insured losses from this year's hurricanes are still being calculated by carriers and modeling companies, and the numbers vary, based on what information underlies the estimates. The most recent estimates from Karen Clark & Company (KCC) using the company's high-resolution Caribbean Tropical Cyclone model show insured losses from Hurricane Maria will reach $30 billion.
The modeled estimates include wind losses to residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Modeled property losses were increased by 20% to account for auto losses, insured flood damage, and additional demand surge.
In a hurricane season that was much more active than in previous years and included widespread destruction from Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria stood out for several reasons:
- Maria was the second Category 5 hurricane to impact the Leeward Islands in September.
- It was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Puerto Rico since the San Felipe II Hurricane in 1928.
- It was the first major hurricane to hit the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico since Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
- Maria strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in 15 hours, which is second only to Hurricane Wilma's record of 12 hours in 2005.
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Rosalie Donlon
Rosalie Donlon is the editor in chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, including NU Property & Casualty magazine and NU PropertyCasualty360.com. You can contact her at [email protected].
