Hurricane Season Alert: 66% of Families Unprepared as Storm Risks Surge

New data shows two-thirds of families lack a disaster plan amid rising storm severity

NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As hurricane season begins, Allstate is ramping up its response efforts and encouraging homeowners and renters to take action. New research shows that nearly two-thirds of U.S. families don’t have a disaster plan¹. Allstate has already processed over $3 billion in weather-related claims this year, underscoring the importance of preparation.

“Storms are hitting harder and more often, putting people, homes, and communities at greater risk,” said Andrea Bessling, Allstate’s Claims Field Director of the National Catastrophe Team. “We’re focused on helping homeowners and renters feel confident and prepared. When severe weather strikes, being ready can make all the difference.”

Weatherproofing tips to get storm-ready

Allstate recommends homeowners and renters take simple, proactive steps now to protect their homes and speed recovery if disaster strikes.

Check your insurance before you need it. Most people don’t realize flood insurance is separate from homeowners coverage. “Know your deductible, review your policy, and consider flood protection, even if you’re not in a high-risk zone,” Bessling said.
Take a quick home inventory. A video walkthrough of your home, stored in the cloud, can make a big difference after a loss. “It doesn’t need to be perfect. Just walk and film,” Bessling advised.
Secure your home’s weak points. Have materials on-hand to reinforce garage doors, board up windows, safely inspect your roof, and cut back tree limbs. “Loose shingles or branches may not seem like a big deal, but in a storm, they become dangerous projectiles,” Bessling added.
Prevent flooding at the foundation. Ensure gutters drain away from your house, test your sump pump, and consider a backflow preventer. Once water gets in, the damage multiplies. These small checks can save thousands.

Even if people aren’t ready, Allstate is. “Caring claims experts stand ready to help people rebound faster, with urgency, accuracy and empathy,” explained Bessling.

A behind-the-scenes look at disaster response

Allstate’s fleet of 20 Mobile Claims Centers mobilize before catastrophe strikes. These mobile hubs include:

Rapid-response claims experts on-site to serve customers by organizing shelter, providing clothing and filing claims.
Drive-in inspection bays and Wi-Fi-equipped workstations offering on-the-spot support for customers.
Aerial imagery-powered property assessments to safely survey damage before families return home, speeding up the claims process with precision.
Emotional care resources, from comfort kits to therapy dogs, providing relief and reassurance when it’s needed most.

Before a storm hits, Allstate uses predictive analytics to position Mobile Claim Centers and deploy knowledgeable, compassionate experts where customers are most likely to need support. Over the past 20 years, the company has supported more than 7.3 million catastrophe claims, including hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires.

Whether you’re a customer or not, Allstate wants to protect people from life’s uncertainties. Some helpful tips include: additional fraud protection information and the Good Hands Recovery Guide, a tool for individuals, homeowners and business owners. Allstate customers impacted by storms can file a claim and begin the claim process by calling 1-800-54-STORM (1-800-547-8676), using the Allstate^SM Mobile app, logging on to Allstate.com or contacting their Allstate agent.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) protects people from life’s uncertainties with a wide array of protection for autos, homes, electronic devices, and identities. Products are available through a broad distribution network including Allstate agents, independent agents, major retailers, online, and at the workplace. Allstate is widely known for the slogan “You’re in Good Hands with Allstate.” For more information, visit www.allstate.com.

¹ The Allstate/Morning Consult Climate Resilience Study fielded May 30 – June 1, 2024, among a national sample of 2,202 U.S. general population respondents. Results have a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points.