The value of using local climate-risk data

February 15, 2023

Given the various daily disturbances to American communities by climate change, it would be highly beneficial for those individuals who are looking to build houses and other structures to use compiled, local climate-risk data to determine the best place to build.

It’s also vital for these individuals to have a complete and comprehensive understanding of what exactly is covered by their insurance policies. For instance, standard homeowners policies do not  cover floods, earthquakes, maintenance damage, and sewer backup. When looking for insurance for their individual needs, it’s best to talk with a professional independent insurance agent.

Beyond the traditional endorsements

Other important policy specifications to consider are transportation and pollution insurance.

A standard transportation policy will not cover any form of pollution related to the transport of commodities. In this case, pollution coverage would only be considered if the fluids used to operate the motor vehicle were released because of an accident.

Using data to take necessary steps like buying disaster insurance could potentially safeguard communities from otherwise total catastrophes. Rather than only relying on cat modeling, which calculates and hypothesizes possible losses by using historical data, it would be more worthwhile to use current local risk data.

Looking to the future

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a website full of updated data, pertaining specifically to weather disasters.

What has become clear is that once-in-a-generation weather events are occurring with much more regularity. To make precise and informed decisions in preparation for potential risks, it’s crucial to rely on any data that is available.


Maura Rosner
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Maura worked as a reporter for the Daily Mail. She received her English, B.A., from Brooklyn College. Maura is also a photographer who believes that there is power in every image.

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