Catastrophes and Your Auto Insurance

Catastrophes are classified as weather-related events that can create massive devastation. These events include tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, flooding, and hailstorms.

Our Catastrophe Teams are activated when such events occur, being there for our insureds in need of immediate claims attention.

Hurricanes - How do they become Hurricanes?

Tropical Cyclones are classified according to their average one-minute wind speeds. Classifications of these type storms are:

• Tropical Depression – highest sustained winds up to 38mph
• Tropical Storm – highest sustained winds 39 to 73mph
• Hurricane or Typhoon – sustained winds 74mph and higher

The Saffir-Simpson Scale is used to classify potential hurricane strength. These classifications are based upon the potential for property damage and flooding.

Category I - Hurricanes producing sustained winds of 74 to 95mph. Storm surges can also occur at 4 to 5 feet above normal. Property damage should not be heavy and is not likely, although mobile homes that are not anchored may experience some minor damage. Trees and shrubbery may have some damage. Some coastal road flooding may be expected.

Category II - Hurricanes producing winds of 96 to 110mph. Storm surges can also occur 6 to 8 feet above normal. Some property damage can be expected. Mobile home damage can be expected. Coastal area flooding can be expected 2 to 4 hours before the arrival of the 'eye' of the storm.

Category III - Winds of 111 to 130mph will be generated with this hurricane. Storm surges can occur 9 to 12 feet above normal. Structural damage to buildings and other structures will occur. Mobile homes can be severely damaged if not destroyed. Coastal flooding can be expected and will destroy small structures in the path.

Category IV - Hurricanes producing winds of 131 to 155mph. Storm surges can also occur at 13 to 18 feet above normal. Extensive damage will occur to buildings and other structures. Beach erosion will be major. Buildings near the shore line will experience flooding on the lower floors. Evacuation of residential areas within 6 miles of the coastline might occur.

Category V - Hurricanes producing winds more than 155mph. Storm surges can also occur more than 18 feet above normal. Extensive damage will occur to buildings and other structures. Beach erosion will be major. Buildings near the shore line can experience flooding. Evacuation of residential areas within 10 miles of the coastline might occur.

A Hurricane Watch will be issued when the threat of hurricane conditions is within 24-36 hours. A Hurricane Warning will be issued when the threat of hurricane conditions is within 24 hours.