Hurricane Harvey to Make Landfall in Texas; Heavy Winds, Extensive Flooding Likely

NEW YORK, Aug. 25 -- The Insurance Information Institute issued the following news release:

Hurricane Harvey is barreling toward the central coast of Texas, and could make landfall as a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher)--the first in a dozen years. Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) subject matter experts will be available this weekend to assist reporters with questions on insurance coverage, the insurance industry's disaster response and steps consumers can take following the storm.

"Harvey is the third Atlantic hurricane to form since August 9," said Dr. Phillip J. Klotzbach, meteorologist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) and a nonresident scholar with the I.I.I. "In only two other years since 1900 have three hurricanes formed between August 9 and August 24: 1969 and 1995," he noted.

"The insurance industry is on the ground, ready to help citizens rebuild in the wake of any damage arising from Hurricane Harvey," said I.I.I. CEO Sean Kevelighan. "We urge anyone in the path of the storm to listen to local authorities, while also doing what is needed to prepare, such as reinforcing windows with shutters and taking a home inventory, if time permits. If you have to evacuate, bring your financial documents, including your insurance policy, so you can start the claims process once the storm has passed," said Kevelighan. "Keep in mind, the more prepared you are, the greater the potential to be more resilient and withstand damage."

Wind damage from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Flood damage is excluded under standard home and business policies. Separate flood coverage can be purchased from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurers.

Damage to cars from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under the optional comprehensive coverage available with a standard auto insurance policy. Nearly four out of five drivers choose to purchase comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage for automobiles includes wind damage, flooding and damage from falling objects, such as tree limbs.

As Hurricane Harvey prepares to make landfall, the number one priority is public safety. Heeding evacuation orders is imperative. The I.I.I. recommends that Texans recall the lessons from Hurricane Ike in 2008. Not only can high winds be deadly; storm surge is also a serious threat to human life. Residents near coastal areas and inland bodies of water should have a plan for evacuating from flood-prone areas--and be ready to put that plan into action.