Why Storm Evacuations Matter: Lessons from Hurricane Ian
When a hurricane is headed your way, the first thought is safety—getting yourself and your family out of harm’s path. You should always follow guidance from local authorities. If an evacuation is ordered, make plans to leave immediately. From an insurance perspective, evacuations are about more than simply saving lives, though that always remains the top priority. Many times, evacuation orders also play a large role in how claims are handled, how quickly recovery happens, and even whether certain policy benefits apply.
Hurricane Ian in 2022 showed us just how much of an impact evacuations—or the lack of thereof—can have.
Evacuations Save Lives and Reduce Liability
Many may remember that Ian made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm in southwest Florida. Despite warnings, evacuation rates in Lee County were uneven. Many people chose to stay put, and tragically, Ian caused 152 storm-related deaths, the highest U.S. hurricane death toll since Katrina.
From an insurance standpoint, evacuations don’t just save lives—they reduce your overall liability exposure. When residents don’t leave, they can face a higher risk of injury or death, which can trigger more complex claims.
Evacuation Shows “Reasonable Care”
Most policies require insureds to take “reasonable steps” to protect their property. Evacuating gives homeowners the time to do that—including boarding windows, elevating valuables, and turning off utilities. These actions can make a difference when claims are filed and adjusted.
After Ian, adjusters noted that policyholders who evacuated early often had better-documented claims and less dispute over loss causation. Those who stayed sometimes struggled to prove whether damage was from the storm itself or worsened by a lack of preparation.
Policy Coverage Can Depend on Evacuation
Evacuation orders often trigger coverages that policyholders may not realize they have:
- Homeowners and Renters Insurance: Additional Living Expenses (ALE) can cover hotels, meals, and other temporary living costs.
- Commercial Policies: Civil Authority coverage may apply if a business can’t operate because officials restricted access to the area.
You should have an updated evacuation plan and emergency kit at the ready as a storm approaches. Remember to save your receipts for things like hotel and food expenses and even the cost to board the family pet.
Hurricane Ian generated an estimated $65 billion in insured losses, much of which included ALE and Civil Authority claims. In short, evacuating isn’t just the safe move—it’s the move that often opens the door to additional benefits.
Evacuation Speeds Up Claims
Another advantage of leaving when ordered is faster claims handling. People who evacuated before Ian were often able to return, document their damages with photos, and file claims quickly. That gave adjusters what they needed to process losses faster.
Those who stayed often faced delays—roads were blocked, power was out, and in some cases homes were unsafe to enter. That meant slower reporting, incomplete documentation, and longer adjustment cycles.
The Data Tells the Story
- Ian caused $113 billion in total damages, making it the third-costliest hurricane in U.S. history.
- Of that, insurers covered about $65 billion in losses.
- Studies found evacuation compliance in Lee County lagged behind other areas, despite mandatory orders—a key factor in both the high death toll and complicated claims outcomes.
Takeaway for the Industry
Evacuations aren’t just a public safety issue. They are a vital part of the claims process. When policyholders evacuate, they’re not only protecting themselves—they’re protecting their claims.
For insurers, the lesson from Ian is clear:
- Communicate early and often about evacuation orders.
- Make sure policyholders understand that leaving when told could activate coverages like ALE or Civil Authority.
- Recognize that evacuation behavior affects not just safety outcomes but also claims severity and cycle times.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane Ian reminded us that evacuation is more than just advice—it’s a critical factor in saving lives and supporting recovery. For the insurance industry, reinforcing the importance of evacuation with policyholders is both a duty and a strategic necessity. When people leave on time, the industry can respond faster, process claims more efficiently and help communities rebuild stronger.
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