Catastrophe & Restoration

Severe thunderstorms are responsible for causing more than $6 billion dollars in insured damages for the first six months of 2009, making it the leading cause for insurance losses so far in what has been called a moderate year for natural disasters.

In light of the unfavorable wind shear environment across the tropical Atlantic, WSI slightly reduced its projections for the 2009 hurricane season, now calling for a total of ten storms.

The severity of hurricane-related losses can vary drastically -- challenging insurers to be prepared for the unknown at all times. Here's how insurers are successfully adjusting to evolving risk exposures and policyholder needs.

Securing a second opinion on a water damage claim may be just what the adjuster needs to bring clarity to the claim and to be confident that the value of the claim is justified.

Fires, hurricanes, tornados, floods, and other acts of God wreak havoc on hundreds of churches a year. Other times, an unattended vigil or altar candle is the culprit. No matter the cause, the evaluation of the claim is monumental.

The economic crisis has compounded the usual issues facing recreational marine claim departments. Consequently, claim adjusters must fully understand many lines of insurance.

Munich Re, Munich Re America, and the Insurance Information Institute will discuss natural catastrophes that occurred during the first six months of 2009 in an upcoming webinar.

Here is a sampling of Claims Magazine's latest tweets.