Hurricane Beryl's Destruction Is A Stark Warning For Americans Without Insurance

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Americans should brace for an active and unpredictable storm season. Hurricane Beryl shattered records as the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, kicking off the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season with unprecedented intensity. 

Although downgraded to a tropical storm by Monday morning, Beryl was powerful enough to batter East Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, killing at least nine people and cutting power to nearly three million people. And it’s still wreaking havoc as a tropical depression, with at least one tornado confirmed in Indiana on Tuesday. 

Travel was also struck by the storm. On Monday, 90% of outbound flights and 82% of inbound flights at Houston International Airport were canceled.

This early start to hurricane season may indicate a long and intense season ahead. NOAA forecasts an 85% chance of above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic, predicting 17 to 25 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. 

This week, we'll delve into essential insurance tips for homeowners and travelers alike. Discover how the right coverage can safeguard your assets and plans in the event of a natural disaster, ensuring peace of mind whether you're at home or on the go.

“When disaster strikes, it's too late to change your insurance policy,” says Zach Lazzari, founder of Cross Border Coverage in Augusta, Montana.

Hurricane Beryl caused extensive damage across the Caribbean and parts of the U.S., totaling 

up to $32 billion in damage and economic losses in the U.S. alone, including long-term effects on tourism and transportation, according to an estimate by AccuWeather. 

On Monday, Hurricane Beryl severely impacted flights from Houston Bush International Airport and nearby William P. Hobby Airport. At Houston International Airport, 1,174 departure and arrival flights were canceled, and 87 were delayed; meanwhile, 312 departure and arrival flights were canceled, and 65 were delayed from Houston's William P. Hobby Airport.

Due to the hurricane, airlines implemented a travel waiver policy, allowing passengers to rebook flights scheduled between July 7 and July 9 at no additional cost. While some flights were set to resume Monday night, operations remained limited. 

As people affected by this catastrophe pick up the pieces, experts urge consumers to prepare for storm season well in advance; this includes having the appropriate insurance for both property and travel.

“When disaster strikes, it's too late to change your insurance policy,” says Zach Lazzari, founder of Cross Border Coverage in Augusta, Montana. “I make a point to analyze my customers' locations and advise coverage while explaining the risks of not obtaining proper coverage. I like to get ahead of the curve so we aren't making last-minute scrambles to update policy terms.”

Get insured before a disaster: To get proper insurance for hurricane season, homeowners and renters should review their current policies to ensure they cover hurricane damage, including separate flood insurance if necessary. Evaluate replacement costs to ensure full coverage for rebuilding or replacing belongings. Shop around and compare policies from different insurers for the best coverage and costs. It's crucial to obtain or update insurance at least 30 days before any damage takes place to ensure the policy is active when you need it. 

Save money on property insurance: Proving that you are storm-ready can lead to insurance savings—think storm shutters, door breaks, construction improvements, bracing and fire breaks. “Always check with your insurer or agent to see where improvements can have a positive rate impact,” Lazzari says.

Protect your travel plans: When traveling, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. Look for policies that cover trip cancellation and interruption due to natural disasters, as well as emergency medical coverage and travel delay benefits. This can help reimburse nonrefundable expenses, cover medical treatment, and provide for additional costs like accommodation if stranded. Make sure it includes adequate evacuation coverage in case you need to be transported to a safe location or home. Always read the policy details to understand what’s covered and any exclusions.

For information on what to do after a natural disaster, read more here.

Related Stories: 

• Natural Disaster Facts And Statistics 2024
• How Does The National Flood Insurance Program Work?
• Flood Insurance: What It Is And What It Covers

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