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Are Texans Ready For Another Harvey?

August 18, 2020
For Immediate Release
Contact: Camille Garcia, Director of Communication & Public Affairs 512-713-4262 
 

Hurricane Media Tour with ICT and NICB Starts September 1

 

As the three year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey approaches, ICT reminds Texans that preparation today is critical to a safer tomorrow. To help prepare our neighbors, ICT and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and other partners are working together to share information and learnings; we’re bringing SAFETY, EDUCATIONAL TIPS, and KEY LEARNINGS from Harvey to consumers along the coast.

                                                                                                                

If you are interested in scheduling an interview, contact ICT at 512-713-4262 or cgarcia@insurancecouncil.org

 

According to Camille Garcia, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, “Almost every type of weather impacts Texans. Hurricanes, flooding, lightening, tornadoes, and hail, among other events, all occur across our great state and as we enter the peak of hurricane season,  it’s important to protect lives, property and finances to help residents recover faster from these catastrophic events. Insurance can help that recovery.”

 

THE IMPACT OF HARVEY ON TEXAS

Hurricane Harvey made landfall on August 25, 2017, causing massive wind damage along the coastal bend and catastrophic flooding throughout southeast Texas. The heaviest rainfall in U.S. history was recorded in the city of Beaumont and four days later, the rains ended in Brownsville on August 29. Consider the following statistics as we face the peak of hurricane season here in Texas:

 

Hurricane Harvey By The Number

93 deaths

$19.6 Billion in insured losses

200,000+ structures damaged or destroyed

500,000+ autos damaged or destroyed

154,000 homes flooded in Harris County

50% of the flooded homes were located outside designated flood plains

And 64% of those homes had NO flood insurance

 

While Texas insurance companies write about 59% of windstorm policies along the Texas coast, residents may also look to the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) as  another option for coverage. After Hurricane Harvey, Texas insurance companies paid over $7 billion in auto, business, and homeowner claims, in addition to $363 million paid to TWIA to cover TWIA policyholder losses from this massive storm. Ultimately, all Texans share in the risks faced by coastal residents when Texas suffers from a major storm.

 

ICT VIRTUAL HURRICANE TOUR

The ICT Hurricane Tour, an annual event since 2005, is going virtual this year. Together with the NICB, ICT will provide information on various insurance options to protect property and finances by providing home, vehicle, business insurance information as well as fraud prevention tips.