Hurricane Season Underway, Coverage Reminder Issued

Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Satellite imagery, file image 5/18/2011, courtesy National Weather Service.

By Wendy Osher

With the Hawaiʻi hurricane season now upon us, the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is advising homeowners and businesses to review their insurance policies to ensure they are protected from loss.

The DCCA’s Insurance Division issued the reminder, noting that basic home insurance does not cover hurricane damage, and that banks usually require hurricane insurance as a mortgage condition.

“The last hurricane that hit Hawaiʻi was Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and Kauaʻi took the brunt of the damage,” said Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito in an agency press release. “Hurricane Iniki caused almost $2 billion in damages, which is about $3 billion in today’s dollars. It can take just one major storm to cause severe property damage, and we urge you to be prepared,” he said.

The hurricane season began June 1, and continues through November 30.

The 2013 Central Pacific Hurricane Season outlook reportedly calls for a 70% chance of a below-normal season, with 1 to 3 tropical cyclones to affect the central Pacific this season.

The Insurance Division offers a “quick reference guide” to assist consumers in shopping for homeowners’ and hurricane insurance.

***Supporting information courtesy DCCA.