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photovs/Getty Images May 27, 2022 Elizabeth Rivelli is a contributing insurance writer for Bankrate and has years of experience writing for insurance domains such as The Simple Dollar, Coverage.com and NextAdvisor, among others Maggie Kempken is an insurance editor for Bankrate. She helps manage the creation of insurance content that meets the highest quality standards for accuracy and clarity to help Bankrate readers navigate complex information about home, auto and life insurance. She also focuses on ensuring that Bankrate’s insurance content represents and adheres to the Bankrate brand. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money. Our content is backed by LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our Insurance Disclosure. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by and edited by , who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Our insurance team is composed of agents, data analysts, and customers like you. They focus on the points consumers care about most — price, customer service, policy features and savings opportunities — so you can feel confident about which provider is right for you. We guide you throughout your search and help you understand your coverage options. We provide up-to-date, reliable market information to help you make confident decisions. We reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible. All providers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide. And we constantly review our criteria to ensure we’re putting accuracy first. Bankrate logo Editorial integrity
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Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information. Bankrate logo How we make money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. Bankrate logo Insurance Disclosure
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. Data from U.S. government agencies has proven that natural disasters are becoming more prevalent and storm-related property damage costs are increasing. 2020 and 2021 were the worst years on record for the most natural disasters. In 2021, 20 weather-related disasters totaled and $145 billion in total combined damages overall, making it the third costliest year in history for natural disasters. 2020 recorded a jaw-dropping 22 recorded billion-dollar weather events. Not only are natural disasters becoming more common, they are also becoming more widespread. For instance, in 2021, Texas and other parts of the South experienced a winter storm event that caused widespread power outages and multiple pile-up car accidents. Also, in late 2021, the to occur in the U.S. caused extensive damage in the upper Midwest. Fortunately, a comprehensive policy will protect your finances if your home and personal belongings are damaged or destroyed in many natural disasters. However, certain types of damage are often not covered in a standard policy, such as and damage. If you live in an area with a high risk of natural disasters or severe weather, it’s important to make sure your home insurance policy provides sufficient protection for your unique needs. Key natural disaster facts and statistics
Climate change and natural disasters are serious threats to many parts of the U.S. Although many natural disasters are unavoidable, it’s still important to be aware of their potential impact. Here are a few natural disaster statistics from recent years and historically: Lightbulb Bankrate insights Between 1980 and 2021, the U.S. has seen 310 weather and climate disasters where the total cost reached or exceeded $1 billion. () The combined cost of the 310 natural disasters recorded between 1980 and 2021 is more than $2.15 trillion. (NOAA) Climate change is one of the factors responsible for the increasing frequency and intensity of some types of extreme weather in the U.S. (NOAA) Data shows that 2017 was the costliest year for natural disasters, with $519 billion in total damages. 2005 was the second costliest, with $351 billion in damages. () On average, there are 26 billion-dollar weather-related disasters per year, based on natural disaster data since 1990. (Aon) 2021 was the most expensive year on record for insured losses due to winter weather, at $17 billion. (Aon) An estimated 90% of natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding. () On an annual basis, more than 1,000 tornadoes touch down in the U.S., resulting in severe property damage, fatalities, and disruptions in power, water and communication services. (DHS) 2021 natural disaster statistics
In the U.S., 2021 was one of the worst years for natural disasters, both in terms of the number of events and the total cost of damages. Here are some natural disaster facts from events that occurred in 2021: Lightbulb Bankrate insights In 2021, there were 20 reported natural disasters in the U.S. These included one drought, two flooding events, 11 severe storms, four tropical cyclones, one wildfire (spanning multiple states) and one winter storm. () The most expensive weather event in 2021 was Hurricane Ida, which resulted in roughly $75 billion in damages. The second-costliest event was the winter storm in the Southwest, which resulted in $24 billion in damages. (NOAA) The winter storm in the Southwest resulted in $30 billion in losses, only half of which were insured losses. () The largest natural disasters and extreme weather events in 2021 impacted an estimated 14.5 million single- and multi-family homes. () According to data from the Emergency Event Database (EM-DAT), five of the top ten most economically costly disasters in 2021 happened in the U.S. () In 2021, the insured losses from U.S. wildfires reached $5 billion, which is the seventh consecutive year that insured wildfire losses have exceeded $2 billion. () The deadliest weather-related event in North America was the heat wave in June 2021 that resulted in 1,029 fatalities. (Aon) According to international reinsurance group MunichRe, total U.S. natural disaster losses in 2021 reached $145 billion, but only $85 billion in losses were insured. (MunichRe) 2020 natural disaster statistics
Natural disasters in 2020 resulted in in losses, which was significantly higher than the cost in 2019, according to MunichRe. Below are some figures on natural disasters and extreme weather events in 2020: Lightbulb Bankrate insights In 2020, there were 980 recorded natural disasters and weather-related events that caused losses to property and life. For comparison, there were only 860 recorded events in 2019. (MunichRe) The five costliest natural disasters in 2020 were weather-related events that occurred in the U.S. Hurricane Laura had the greatest insured losses, at $10 billion. The California wildfires were the second most costly, with $7.5 billion in insured losses. (MunichRe) In 2020, roughly 70% of insured losses were caused by small and medium-sized secondary perils, such as tornadoes, thunderstorms and wildfires. (MunichRe) There were 22 billion-dollar weather-related events recorded in the U.S. in 2020, which had a combined $95 billion in damages. () There was a record-breaking number of tropical cyclones in the U.S. in 2020. Of the 30 storms, 12 made landfall, surpassing the previous record set in 2005. (NOAA) There were also record-breaking wildfires in the U.S. in 2020. More than 10.2 million total acres burned and California more than doubled its previous yearly record for area burned. (NOAA) Five of the six largest wildfires on record in California took place during August and September of 2020. (NOAA) Parts of the Midwest sustained severe damage from a derecho in August 2020. It’s only the third derecho event since 1980 with inflation-adjusted costs over $10 billion. (NOAA) Wildfire statistics
Wildfire statistics show that these events are becoming increasingly prevalent across the U.S., putting homes and lives at risk. Here are some staggering wildfire facts to be aware of: Lightbulb Bankrate insights It’s estimated that more than 90% of wildfires in the U.S. are started by humans, which includes both intentional and unintentional acts. Only about 10% of wildfires are caused naturally by things like lightning and lava. () As of 2019, roughly 4.5 million homes in the U.S. were identified as having a high or extreme risk of wildfire. (Triple-I) California has the largest number of homes at risk of sustaining damage from a wildfire. An estimated 2 million properties in California have a high to extreme wildfire risk, based on 2021 data. (Triple-I) According to Verisk, Delaware is the only state in the U.S. that did not have any recorded wildfires in 2021. (Triple-I) The costliest wildfire in recent U.S. history was the Camp Fire, which occurred in Northern California in 2018. As of 2021, the fire resulted in an estimated $10.75 billion in total losses. Roughly 153,336 acres burned, and more than 18,800 structures were destroyed. (Triple-I) As of May 2022, more than 21,200 wildfires have burned over 1.1 million acres this year alone. () Central states and parts of the East Coast see the highest number of wildfires on an annual basis. However, wildfires on the West Coast are larger and burn more acreage. (Congressional Research Service) On average, there have been 1,065 large or significant fires each year between 2017 and 2021. (Congressional Research Service) Hurricane statistics
Hurricane statistics show that tropical storms are a serious threat to many homes in the southern U.S., Mid-Atlantic region and the East Coast. Data shows that is one of the biggest factors causing more frequent and more severe hurricanes in certain parts of the country. Below are some hurricanes facts about the cost and prevalence of these events in the U.S.: Lightbulb Bankrate insights Hurricane season is officially recognized between June and November, although hurricanes have occurred outside of those months. (Triple-I) In 2021, there were seven hurricanes, which included four major hurricanes. () 2021 was the third most active year on record for the number of named storms. It was the sixth consecutive year with an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. (NOAA) The costliest hurricane on record in the U.S. was Hurricane Katrina, which occurred in 2005. The damages from Hurricane Katrina resulted in $65 billion in insured losses. (Triple-I) Hurricane Katrina is also the deadliest hurricane on record in U.S. history, with 1,518 fatalities. (Triple-I) Hurricane Ida, which occurred in 2021, was the second-costliest hurricane on record, with $35 billion in insured losses. (Triple-I) Florida has the largest number of residential homes that could sustain hurricane damage. Over 2.8 million homes in the state could get damaged by a category 5 hurricane. (Triple-I) Although hurricanes are rated by wind, hurricane-related fatalities are mostly caused by flooding. For all hurricanes between 1963 and 2012, almost 90% of fatalities were caused by storm surge, rainfall flooding and high surf. () Tornado statistics
According to tornado statistics, most tornadoes occur in Tornado Alley, a band of states in the Midwest, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa and some parts of Texas. Although there is no evidence that proves tornadoes are getting stronger, they are becoming more common in areas . Below are some tornado facts to be aware of: Lightbulb Bankrate insights Tornadoes and convective storms cause an average of $17 billion in losses each year, which is almost equal to the average annual losses caused by hurricanes. () Tornado season takes place at different times in different parts of the country. In the Southwest, tornadoes are most likely to occur in May and June. On the Gulf Coast, tornadoes occur in early spring. In the Midwest, tornado season occurs in June and July. However, tornadoes can happen at any time during the year. () Every year, roughly 1,000 tornadoes are reported nationwide. However, not all tornadoes are severe. (Triple-I) In 2021, there were 1,376 tornadoes reported in the U.S. For comparison, there were only 1,075 tornadoes reported in 2020. (Triple-I) There were more than 100 tornado-related fatalities in 2021, which is slightly more than the year prior. (Triple-I) The costliest tornado in the U.S. occurred in August 2020, which spanned from Tornado Alley and eastward to Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. The total damages cost more than $9.2 million. (Triple-I) Historical data shows that Texas has the most tornadoes on an annual basis. Alabama, Mississippi, Illinois and Iowa also experience a high rate of tornadoes. (Triple-I) Although tornadoes often occur in the U.S., they are also prevalent in other countries. Data shows that Argentina and Bangladesh have the highest concentrations of tornadoes outside the U.S. (NOAA) Frequently asked questions
Does home insurance cover natural disasters
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover many natural disasters, including tornadoes, hurricanes and winter storms. However, it all depends on the specifics of your policy. For example, if you live in a high-risk hurricane area in Louisiana, you may need to purchase a separate windstorm policy to protect your property. Before you purchase home insurance, it’s a good idea to talk to an agent and find out what is and isn’t covered. There are usually endorsements available to fill gaps in your coverage if needed.
What natural disasters are not covered in a home insurance policy
Although most natural disasters are covered by homeowners insurance, there are some exclusions. Notably, floods and earthquakes are almost never covered by a standard home insurance policy, no matter where you live. If your home is located in an area where flooding or earthquakes are common, you will likely need to purchase a separate flood insurance or earthquake insurance policy. Many sell these types of coverage, which you can buy alongside your regular home insurance policy.
Do insurance rates go up after a natural disaster
Home insurance rates can go up after a natural disaster in your area, even if your home didn’t sustain any damage. When your home insurance company has to compensate many policyholders for natural disaster-related claims, your premium could increase, as the insurer tries to recoup some of the money it paid out. If you are concerned about a potential rate increase, consider looking into and make sure to get multiple to ensure you are paying the lowest rate for your personal circumstances. SHARE: Elizabeth Rivelli is a contributing insurance writer for Bankrate and has years of experience writing for insurance domains such as The Simple Dollar, Coverage.com and NextAdvisor, among others Maggie Kempken is an insurance editor for Bankrate. She helps manage the creation of insurance content that meets the highest quality standards for accuracy and clarity to help Bankrate readers navigate complex information about home, auto and life insurance. She also focuses on ensuring that Bankrate’s insurance content represents and adheres to the Bankrate brand. Related Articles