Nebraska’s Property Insurance Crisis

How Hailstorms and Tornadoes are Driving Premiums Through the Roof 

Nebraska’s weather can be downright relentless. With tornadoes and hailstorms frequently appearing each season, the aftermath often leaves property owners grappling with soaring insurance premiums. While we can’t ignore the power of Mother Nature, do insurers really need to pass every last cent of their costs onto you? Spoiler alert: they don’t.

The Storms Aren’t Slowing Down

Nebraska has always been a storm-prone state, but in recent years, the frequency and intensity of hailstorms and tornadoes have hit record highs. The Center for Disaster Recovery stated, “As of September 18, 2024, there have been 1,437 confirmed tornadoes.” Nebraska ranks among the “top five most impacted regions, alongside Iowa, Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma,” as reported by 11 Alive. Hailstorms, notorious for causing costly damage to roofs, vehicles, and properties, have also been relentless. Since 2020, Nebraska has averaged 50 days of severe hailstorms each year, one of the highest in the nation.

What Does This Mean for Your Insurance Premiums?

Insurance carriers justify premium hikes by pointing fingers at these natural disasters, but is that the whole story? Nebraska Public Media spoke with Chip Bullock, an agent in central Nebraska, who “said he’s seen premiums increase rapidly in the last few years, by between 10% and 40%.” Insurers claim it’s all due to the high number of storm-related claims. But here’s the kicker: while storm frequency is up, insurers are also racking profits by leveraging reinsurance and passing costs along to you. It doesn’t stop there—many carriers are notorious for using delay, deny, and defend tactics to avoid paying out claims altogether. 

The Passive-Aggressive Reality of “Risk Management”

Let’s be honest. Insurance carriers love to talk about “risk” when it comes to raising your rates. Yet, when you file a claim, they’re suddenly not so generous, are they? It’s almost as if they prefer collecting premiums without paying out. According to experts, insurers have a history of using reinsurance policies that protect them—not you—from catastrophic losses. So, while you’re paying more, they’re quietly pocketing their share. 

Make the Most of Your Policy

So, what should a Nebraska property owner do in the face of skyrocketing premiums? Well, start by evaluating your current policy. Many property owners are underinsured, but unfortunately, insurance carriers won’t volunteer that information.

Some insurance carriers have begun to exclude wind coverage, which could be a significant setback for Nebraska policyholders. To make matters worse, Insurance carriers aren’t communicating this coverage change when they send out policy renewals, leaving it up to the policyholder to read through their policy to ensure they know exactly what they’re signing up for. Unfortunately, this critical detail is often overlooked, leaving many policyholders underinsured and caught off guard when it matters most.

We recommend reviewing your policy annually to ensure your property is adequately protected. Submit your policy for a free review today! Our team will identify gaps in your coverage and help you find a policy to protect you when disaster strikes.  

The (Not So) Transparent Insurance Industry

Here’s where the gloves come off. Despite their endless justifications, insurance carriers aren’t hurting. Many are seeing record profits—and yet premiums continue to rise. The property and casualty insurance industry made a “record $88 billion in profits in 2023. In Q1 2024, profitability continued to surge, reaching $39 billion in one quarter alone,” the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association reported. So, the next time your carrier leaves you to believe they simply don’t have the means to help, remember—you’re padding their bottom line. 

Don’t just Weather the Storm—Fight Back!

Nebraska property owners deserve better. The ongoing storm cycles may be uncontrollable, but unchecked insurance premiums don’t have to be. Start by taking control of your policy and working with professionals who have your back. Because let’s face it: your insurance carrier? Not so much. 

Submit your policy for review today!