Helene Claims Up, New Storm Eyed

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Total estimated insured losses from Hurricane Helene reached more than $656 million while forecasters keep a close eye on another storm forming in the Gulf of Mexico.

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As of Oct. 1, the total estimated insured losses from the Category 4 storm that made landfall in the Big Bend area on Sept. 26 are $656,767,627. Of the 65,716 claims so far, 33,130 are for residential property damage. The previous day, there were 48,341 claims.  The number of claims and estimated losses are expected to increase in the coming weeks. For now:

• Claims under private flood insurance policies: 1,715 (most flood policies are through FEMA’s Flood Insurance Program, not private)
• Claims closed with payments to policyholders: 2,263
• Claims closed without payments to policyholders: 2,486
• Commercial property claims: 836
• Percent of claims closed: 7.2%

*For county-by-county information, see chart below ↓

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation also issued an order protecting policyholders in 26 counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. The order:

• Extends grace periods for any policy, provision, notice, correspondence or law that imposes a time limit upon an insured to perform any act until November 26, 2024.
• Prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an impacted area, except at the written request of the policyholder, until November 26, 2024.
• Prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a personal residential or commercial residential property insurance policy covering a property repaired as a result of damage from Hurricane Helene for a period of 90 days after it has been repaired.
• Directs insurers, surplus lines and other regulated entities to implement processes and procedures to facilitate the efficient payment of claims.

The order applies to all insurers in the state and policyholders in Alachua, Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Franklin, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties.

At the same time, forecasters are keeping an eye on tropical system developing in the Gulf of Mexico that could pose a risk to Florida by early next week. The system could bring rain, wind and surge, AccuWeather said.

“It is early yet, but interests in Florida, from the northeastern Gulf Coast to the Keys, as well as inland areas of the Sunshine State, should closely monitor the situation. Conditions may deteriorate from the middle to the latter part of next week with impacts from heavy rain and and possibly problems related to wind and storm surge,” Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist, said.

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