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Media Advisory: Insurance and Disaster Response Experts Speaking At the National Hurricane Conference In Austin, March 30 – April 2

Insurance Educators Available to Discuss Importance of Disaster Preparedness, Insurance Coverage and the Economic Ramifications of Hurricanes

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org
Florida Press Office: (813) 480-6446;

AUSTIN, Texas, March 30, 2015 — Reporters interested in interviewing insurance experts on-site at the in Austin, Texas next week are encouraged to reach out to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Experts from the I.I.I. are a resource throughout hurricane season as well; hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30.

The I.I.I. can provide information on the economic impact of hurricanes, as well as consumer-related information to help individuals and business owners understand their insurance coverage. The I.I.I. is also available to discuss steps that can help control insurance costs, as well as provide national and state-specific information about historic hurricane losses and the growing exposure to risk in many coastal states.

An insurance expert from (ICT) will also be available to answer questions at the conference.

In Austin this week are:

  • Dr. Steven Weisbart, I.I.I. senior vice president and chief economist; stevenw@iii.org; cell phone: 917-494-5945
  • Jeanne Salvatore, I.I.I. senior vice president, public affairs & chief communications officer: jeannes@iii.org; cell phone: 917-612-4088
  • Lynne McChristian, I.I.I. Florida representative and committee chairperson for the conference: lynnem@iii.org; cell phone: 813-480-6446
  • Mark Hanna, ICT manager of public relations and membership; mhanna@insurancecouncil.org; 512-326-7616.

Workshops and sessions at the conference will focus on educating people about the necessity of preparation, including building resilient communities, and on improving disaster response and recovery. Insurance topics at the conference are in the table below.

National Hurricane Conference 2015 Insurance Sessions/Topics
Wednesday, April 1 Thursday, April 2
8:30-10 a.m.
Rap Session: “Are Seasonal Forecasts Echoes in the Wind? Getting People to Pay Attention and React”

Speakers: Dr. Phil Klotzbach, Colorado State Univ.; James Franklin, NOAA; Jeanne Salvatore & Lynne McChristian, I.I.I.; Mark Hanna, Insurance Council of Texas

 8:30-10 a.m.
“Communicating Risk: Is Anyone Listening?”

Moderator: Mark Hanna, Insurance Council of Texas

Speakers: Tiffany O’Shea, IBHS; Lynne McChristian, I.I.I.
General Session 3:30-5 p.m.

Panel: “Trends in Coastal Property Risk in the Post-Katrina Decade” – Dr. Steven Weisbart, I.I.I.

“Building Code Safety & How Hurricane-Prone States Measure Up” – Julie Rochman, IBHS

 10:30-noon
“Flood Insurance: Government-backed vs Private Market Alternatives”

Moderator: Lynne McChristian, I.I.I.

Speakers: Evan Hecht, The Flood Insurance Agency; Jeanne Salvatore, I.I.I.
1:30-3 p.m.

“Enter the Drones: Using Unmanned Aircraft in Disaster Recovery”

Moderator: Lynne McChristian, I.I.I.

Speakers: Mario Mairena, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems; Katy Ross, Wiley Rein

Wind damage from both tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Flood damage resulting from storm surge caused by hurricanes is excluded under standard policies; however, flood coverage is available from the (NFIP), and directly from some private insurance companies.

Damage to cars from hurricanes is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. This includes wind damage, flooding and even falling objects such as tree limbs. More than 75 percent of all Americans choose to purchase comprehensive auto coverage.

The following online resources are also available to reporters:

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

FACTS AND STATISTICS

CONSUMER INFORMATION

VIDEOS

The I.I.I.’s free mobile apps can help you create a disaster plan, learn about selecting the right insurance for your needs and budget, and create and maintain a home inventory. Learn more about our suite of apps .

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500;

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