Rising Bay insurance claims push Florida losses over $4.8 billion

Jan. 13--PANAMA CITY -- Bay County's Hurricane Michael insurance claims have risen in recent weeks, helping push total losses to more than $4.8 billion in Florida, according to the latest state Office of Insurance Regulation report.

The report states that as of Jan. 4, the county still had by far the most Michael-related claims with a total of 81,736 claims, up from 79,178 last month. The increase pushed the state's total estimated losses to about $4.88 billion, up from $4.3 billion last month.

The losses stem from a total of 136,873 Michael-related claims made since Oct. 12, the report states. The Category 4 hurricane struck on Oct. 10, causing massive damage in the Panhandle, particularly in areas like Panama City and Mexico Beach.

Of the county's claims, 46,747 were closed and paid as of Jan. 4, the report states. Meanwhile, 71.1 percent of claims statewide have been closed.

Bay County has led in the highest number of claims since reporting began. Jackson County has the next highest amount with 13,362 claims, the report states. Other counties with a significant number of claims include Leon County with 9,319 claims; Gulf County with 7,801 claims; Gadsden County with 5,676 claims; Calhoun County with 3,900 claims; Franklin County with 2,220 claims, Wakulla County with 1,313 claims and Liberty County with 1,106 claims.

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