Catastrophe & Restoration

Innovations in contents claims technology, software, and services are redefining how insurance carriers handle contents claims for personal lines.

You can't imagine the relief that comes from telling others that one of the worst moments of your life was made better by the professional manner in which the people you paid to help you responded to the situation.

As the U.S. prepares for what forecasters say will be another above-average hurricane season, Fitch Ratings says first-quarter global catastrophes and the spring tornadoes have already exhausted many reinsurers' 2011 catastrophe budgets.

Legislation introduced in the Senate late last week by Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss, may complicate chances of the National Flood Insurance Program's long-term reauthorization before the current extension runs out Sept. 30.

State Farm's claims payments through May eclipsed $2.5 billion as payments to policyholders affected by April's harsh weather approaches $1 billion.

While many of the Joplin, Mo. tornado survivors had insurance, it could be months, if not years, before they can rebuild. FEMA said Monday it will consider bringing in trailers, as it did for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, if enough homes are not available.