Hawaii and Hurricanes

“The last hurricane that hit Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and Kauai took the brunt of the damage,” said Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito. “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.”

Hawaii Insurance Division Reminds Public About Hurricane Coverage, Offers Tips

"Basic home insurance does not cover hurricane damage. Homeowners typically must purchase hurricane insurance separately. Also, not all wind damage is covered by hurricane insurance. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service must declare a wind-related event to be a hurricane for this coverage to become available. Banks usually require hurricane insurance as a mortgage condition.

Hurricane policies will cover water damage resulting from wind-related impairment of the home's exterior. One example would be if hurricane debris punctures the roof and rain water flows into your living room.  Other types of water damage (i.e., storm surge, cascading water or rising streams) are not covered by hurricane or homeowners insurance. Flood insurance provides coverage for these other exposures."  click here to read the source article

Here is some information related to adjuster licensing in Hawaii.

NONRESIDENT ADJUSTER – INDIVIDUAL (INITIAL LICENSE) INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER – PUBLIC ADJUSTER – WORK COMP ADJUSTER – CROP ADJUSTER

Before submitting your application:

Successfully pass the Hawaii Insurance License Exam. [1] Adjuster exam for independent or public adjuster, workers compensation adjuster exam for work comp adjuster, exam approved by the insurance commissioner for crop adjuster. Contact our exam administrator, Pearson Vue to register for an exam. Call toll free at 1-800-274-2608. View our Candidate Handbook at Pearson Vue’s website at: http://www.pearsonvue.com/hi/insurance .

There is no reciprocity for adjusters. All individuals – residents and nonresidents – are required to successfully pass the Hawaii Insurance License Exam.

After the above has been completed, submit paper application.

Source of the above information on licensing:  The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Insurance

Hurricane Deductibles

Here is some information on when a Hurricane Deductible applies. The information below comes from the Insurance Information Institute. here is a link to the source page on their website;

http://www.iii.org/issue-update/hurricane-and-windstorm-deductibles

HAWAII HURRICANE DEDUCTIBLES

'Hurricane deductibles are percentage or dollar deductibles that are higher than for other perils, or causes of loss. They are calculated as a percentage of the dollar amount of coverage on the dwelling. The trigger for hurricane deductibles, or the point at which they apply, varies by company. Triggers have some common characteristics: they generally go into effect only when the National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch or warning and remain in effect for a specified amount of time after the storm has passed. The intensity of hurricanes may also affect the trigger. Hurricanes are classified on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 as the highest intensity. If the policy has a mandatory deductible, this means the insurer will not sell homeowners coverage without a hurricane deductible.  When a deductible is optional, policyholders may choose a higher deductible for a premium credit.

The Hawaii State Legislature created the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund in 1993 to provide compensation for windstorm damage from hurricane force winds in the wake of Hurricane Iniki which caused about $1.6 billion in insured losses when it occurred. After the homeowners insurance market stabilized, the fund was shut down and stopped writing coverage at the end of 2000. Most homeowners insurers provide property coverage for all perils and liability but exclude hurricane insurance.  Homeowners must purchase hurricane insurance separately from specialized companies.

Hawaii Property Insurance Association (FAIR Plan): The insurer of last resort for homeowners insurance. Does not offer hurricane coverage.

Here is a link to the source of the information provided above.

http://www.iii.org/issue-update/hurricane-and-windstorm-deductibles

Eastern North Pacific Storm Names 

red = active

1. Amanda
2. Boris
3. Cristina
4. Douglas
5. Elida
6. Fausto
7. Genevieve
8. Hernan
9. Iselle
10. Julio
11. Karina
12. Lowell
13. Marie
14. Norbert
15. Odile
16. Polo
17. Rachel
18. Simon
19. Trudy
20. Vance
21. Winnie
22. Xavier
23. Yolanda
24. Zeke 

 

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Roy · 7/27/2014 6:59:21 PM

Did you wok Hurricane Iniki in 1992? If so maybe you could provide some insight into handling claims in Hawaii. I was on an environmental assignment and missed the Iniki event.

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