Normally, we don’t think much about hurricane risk this late in the year. After all, official hurricane season ends on November 30. Then again, this season has been anything but normal.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in northern Florida on Sept. 26, 2024, as a category four hurricane. The storm left a path of destruction in its wake as it plowed through the southeastern U.S. Damage is estimated in the billions with loss of human life in the hundreds.
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on October 9, 2024, as a category three hurricane. At least 24 people died, damage to property was significant and massive power outages ensued.
What does the future look like?
More active hurricane seasons with stronger, more destructive storms could become the trend according to information from NASA. This is due in part to our planet becoming warmer.
What does this mean for travelers in 2025 and beyond?
Increased hurricane threats mean greater risk to funds set aside for travel. Hurricane paths can only be predicted three to five days in advance. Because vacations need to be planned much further out, the three to five day notice just isn’t enough time to effectively mitigate this risk. What happens when a hurricane strikes your travel destination? If it comes ashore prior to your arrival, then it’s unlikely you’ll go. And what if it arrives while you’re on your vacation. Not only will you potentially lose any nonrefundable lodging and travel costs, but your very safety could be at stake. Plus, you would likely be liable for any expenses associated with evacuation.
Is there a way to protect against this financial loss?
You can’t stop or redirect a hurricane. However, Dan Drennen, Director of Sales and Marketing at Travel Insurance Center® suggests using travel insurance as a way to hedge against the financial risks at stake.
According to Drennen, “It’s prudent to cover your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, especially during hurricane season. If you have valid trip cancellation/interruption coverage which was purchased prior to a storm being named*, then you can rest easy knowing that if a hurricane does ruin your trip, it won’t empty your wallet.
Beyond the financial aspect, Drennen emphasizes safety and peace of mind. “If you need to evacuate, a suitable travel insurance policy can cover a portion of that cost. No trip is worth putting yourself and your family in danger. In that regard, travel insurance can be a life saver.”
Many are currently planning out their 2025 trips, including vacation plans within next year’s hurricane season. If you’re one of those proactive planners, don’t forget to include travel insurance that protects you against the financial risks associated with hurricanes.
How do you go about getting this kind of protection?
Many insurance carriers offer this type of coverage. But, that doesn’t mean all coverage is equal. It’s important that you obtain suitable coverage based on your specific needs and budget. To help with this, Dan recommends utilizing the services of a reputable travel insurance expert like those found at Travel Insurance Center. “Travel insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” Drennen stresses. “A good travel insurance agent does the research to find suitable solutions that meet your specific needs and budget. Plus, they do it at no cost to you because they get paid directly from the insurance carrier when you purchase a policy.”
Why consider Travel Insurance Center?
The Travel Insurance Experts at Travel Insurance Center specialize in finding the best travel insurance options for your specific needs and budget. If you have questions or would like a complimentary travel insurance quote, don’t hesitate to contact Travel Insurance Center at 1.866.979.6753.
*Travel insurance must be purchased before a storm is named to have trip cancellation protection. Once a storm is named, trip cancellation protection is no longer available for hurricanes.
