Harvey most expensive hurricane to strike Texas

Victoria Advocate (TX)

Sept. 02--Hurricane Harvey caused about $19 billion in insured losses and more than $100 billion in uninsured losses.

"We saw Harvey's formation on Aug. 17, 2017, as it became a hurricane and diminished ... and re-energized over the Gulf of Mexico going from a tropical depression to a Category 4 hurricane in 48 hours," said Mark Hanna, Insurance Council of Texas spokesman. "It's been decades since we've seen 150 mph winds."

State Farm had about 49,600 claims related to Harvey wind damage and paid out about $171.3 million, said Bob Bonar, Port Lavaca State Farm Agent. The agency also had about 38,700 automotive claims from Harvey damage and paid out about $375.3 million.

Residents need to review their coverage, Bonar said. A regular homeowners policy does not cover flood damages. Flood polices have to be purchased more than 30 days before a storm is named for coverage.

"A lot of people purchase an insurance policy, and they have changes in life and circumstances and additions and alterations in their structures," he said. "They need to sit down and understand what their coverages are. They need to be aware a homeowners policy does not cover rising water."

Residents also need to create an inventory of their belongings through pictures or video, he said, and keep it in a safe place away from the home.

Hochheim Prairie Insurance paid about $60 million in claims related to Hurricane Harvey, said David Weber, vice president of claims.

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association paid about $1.6 billion for about 76,000 claims related to Harvey damage, said Manuel Villarreal, coast program director for the Texas Department of Insurance.

Kathryn Cargo reports on business and agriculture for the Victoria Advocate. She may be reached at [email protected] or 361-580-6328. Follow her on twitter @kathryncargo.

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