The number of basement constructions and conversions have dramatically increased in recent years. Adding a basement is a more cost-effective way to provide additional space than moving or upsizing and adds significantly to the overall property value.…
More than one year ago, heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in Westport, New Zealand. Swollen rivers burst their banks, and floodwaters cascaded right across the Buller District — damaging properties, roads and surrounding farmland. More …
You probably recall that Australia experienced devastating bushfires in 2019-2020, as the catastrophe garnered global headlines. Regrettably, many fewer people beyond Australia are familiar with an even costlier and more recent disaster: the severe f…
Landowners, developers, local authorities and government agencies can’t ignore the evidence of increasing flooding incidents. Nor can they abrogate responsibilities to insurers for the subsequent costs. The challenges related to flood claims and righ…
In 2007, catastrophic flooding in the UK killed 13 people, saw 420,000 inhabitants left without drinking water and was estimated to have caused nearly £6 billion of damage. This disaster was the trigger for a number of insurance and government-led in…
The 2018 CAT season has started with a vengeance. Already, we are seeing damage from flooding, earthquakes and a volcano in Hawaii. On top of that, hurricane season will soon be underway, the potential increases for droughts and related fires, and we…
As we prepare for the 2018 storm season, I can’t help but look back at the impact of 2017’s extreme weather. We have seen how vital it is to be ready to respond quickly to property claims in the field. Catastrophic weather events continue to test und…
As I write this blog, it is hard to believe that another catastrophic hurricane is approaching our shores. Like everyone else, I am still trying to grasp what happened in Texas with Hurricane Harvey. I know all our hearts go out to those who …
$1.9 billon. That is the estimated dollar amount the recent historic floods in Houston Texas will cost to return life and business back to normal according to the Houston Business Journal. Now almost every major weather service is reporting that, d…