Hurricanes Hugo, Hazel, Gracie and the great Sea Island Storm of 1893 all significantly impacted our state after 1850.

While no one knows when the next hurricane will hit South Carolina, it is undeniable that we have exposure to these catastrophic events.

Despite the risk, our state has continued to attract more development along our coast. With more than 187 miles of coastline and $191.9 billion in insured property in coastal areas, South Carolina has far more exposure to hurricanes than our neighboring states.

Risk analysts estimate that if Hurricane Hugo hit today, there would be about $10.9 billion in insured losses. (Hugo caused $4.2 billion in 1989.) Insurers must prepare now to ensure their ability to pay claims after a hurricane devastates our coast.

Without insurance, a family that pays $2,000 a year to ensure their $150,000 home would have to be lucky for 75 years to cover one total loss.

Russ Dubisky

S.C. Insurance News Service

Columbia