1 in 4 homeowners are taking risks with hurricane season

In the most active part of hurricane season, a survey has revealed a worrying amount of overconfidence among homeowners in high-risk areas.

The poll from ValuePenguin shows that 77% of homeowners in these areas believe they are ready for the worst, but half of these have not actually made any preparations, almost 1 in 4 of the 1,050 surveyed.

One reason for the lack of preparations may be that homeowners are underestimating the potential cost of hurricane and flood damage with more than half estimating $10,000. The actual average costs based on 2017 figures were $10,200 for wind and hail damage and $92,000 for flooding.

Another reason, is the current trend of lacking trust in experts with 4 in 10 respondents saying that the weather professionals "exaggerate the risk level of incoming hurricanes."

"If there is one key takeaway from the survey, it is that homeowners are substituting confidence for preparedness,” said Chris Moon, senior analyst at ValuePenguin who authored the report. “Clearly, a significant number of homeowners are underestimating the likelihood of being personally affected by a hurricane, a mistake that could have devastating consequences on their homes, their families and their finances."

The survey found that 45% of those in the most at-risk states for hurricanes aren’t sure how much insurance they need to be covered.

Insurance claims in recent hurricanes

The full report can be viewed at https://www.valuepenguin.com/hurricane-prone-homeowners-substitute-confidence-for-preparedness