The growing intensity and frequency of hurricanes and other extreme weather events such as heavy rain, high winds, flooding, earthquakes, and tsunamis serve as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness. These natural events can cause catastrophic damage to properties and even lead to loss of life, often extending many miles inland. Disaster preparedness experts have emphasised that, given the increasing frequency of these events, the public must be better prepared to manage the financial consequences of such disasters.
Because natural disasters are unpredictable, it is of utmost importance to safeguard and insure your property. As part of its ongoing hurricane preparedness and public awareness efforts, CIMA remains committed to promoting greater awareness of disaster risks and ensuring that both its employees and the broader community are well-informed and equipped to manage potential financial losses resulting from natural disasters. A study conducted by CIMA in 2023 concluded that approximately 70 percent of residential and commercial properties in the Cayman Islands are insured, indicating a protection gap of 30 percent.
When assessing whether your property — including your home, vehicle, or boat — is adequately covered against damage caused by natural disasters, consider the following preparedness tips:
- Review and discuss your policy
Carefully examine your current property insurance coverage with your insurer or broker. Some policies may include hurricane, flood, earthquake, and tsunami coverage as standard, while others may offer them as add-ons. Your property policy will include a deductible, so it’s important to understand your potential out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim, as well as any exclusions or sub-limits that may apply. - Know your property values and replacement costs
Construction costs and property values can increase due to inflation and other factors. Review your sums insured regularly to avoid underinsurance penalties. Remember, if your property is underinsured, you may not receive the full value of your claim. Consult your insurer or broker to verify that your coverage is adequate. - Use licensed insurance providers
Always ensure that your insurance company or broker is licensed. Licensed domestic insurance companies, agents, and brokers can be searched for on the CIMA website.
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