• The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that close to 500,000 claims have been filed following Hurricane Ian
• NICB also reminded residents to remain vigilant with fraudulent contractors

As insurance claims continue to increase following Hurricane Ian, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has identified nearly half a million claims related to Hurricane Ian.

In a Monday report, NICB identified 471,581 claims that have been filed following the destruction of Hurricane Ian. The group noted that the majority of the claims, 431,702 in total, have been reported in the Sunshine State. Nearly two-thirds of the Florida claims are homeowner and business claims (272,465), with the remaining being personal automobile claims (151,892).

Despite substantial damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles following Hurricane Ian, NICB, the insurance industry’s association dedicated to combating and preventing insurance crime, is warning victims to beware of post-disaster scams as they begin the rebuilding process.

The not-for-profit organization encouraged residents to take their time and not try to accelerate the rebuilding process in order to avoid being scammed.

“We know residents want to get back on their feet, but we are already seeing dishonest fraudsters who are preying on unsuspecting victims like vultures,” said NICB President and CEO David Glawe. “This is not the time to let your guard down. Stay vigilant and protect yourself and your loved ones from these criminals.”

Hurricane Ian made landfall on Sept. 28, pummeling Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 155 mph before cutting across toward the east coast. The storm left a path of destruction across the Sunshine State, producing catastrophic flooding and storm surge. It is the third-deadliest storm to hit the U.S., eclipsed only by hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.

The storm is forecast to be the most significant natural disaster for the insurance sector in decades, with industry losses from the storm having the potential to reach as high as $75 billion, which would make it the costliest natural disaster ever in nominal terms.