Severe Storms are Now Causing More Damage Than Hurricanes

When most people think about costly natural disasters, in Virginia, hurricanes typically come to mind. But there’s a quiet shift affecting homeowners in communities across the state, not just in coastal areas.

According to a new report from Aon, severe convective storms (SCS) such as hailstorms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and powerful thunderstorms have caused more insurance losses than hurricanes so far this century. For insurers, this is a major turning point. For homeowners, it explains why insurance costs, deductibles, and coverage rules are changing.

SCS Are Happening More Often

SCS occur year-round and more often than seasonal hurricanes.

• Hail, wind, and tornado events now recur outside the U.S. region called "tornado alley" and no longer occur mostly in the spring as in the past.

• Even storms that don’t make national headlines are causing major damage.

• Over time, lots of “medium-sized” storms add up to huge losses.

The United States remains the epicenter of this volatility. More than 54 percent of global economic losses occurred there in 2025, while the country accounted for 81 percent of global insured losses. Total insured losses in the U.S. reached 103 billion dollars, driven largely by severe convective storms and wildfires.

You Don’t Have to Live on the Coast to Be at Risk

One of the biggest changes to homeowners and insurers is where losses are happening.

• SCS affect inland and suburban areas more than they do coastal regions.

• States in the Midwest, South, and parts of the East (like Virginia) are seeing repeated hail and wind damage.

• Neighborhoods that once felt “safe” from natural disasters are filing claims more often.

A derecho in Virginia in 2012 produced 70-90 mph straight-line winds, with Roanoke recording a gust of 81 mph. The storm resulted in total damages of $2.8 billion, with Lynchburg accounting for over $5 million in damages alone. As a comparison, a category 1 hurricane has wind speeds of 74-95 mph. The last category-rated hurricane to hit Virginia was Isabelle as a category 1 in 2003.

A Probable Increase in the “Protection Gap”

The “protection gap” is the difference between what a storm damages and what insurance actually covers. As severe storms become more common and insurance companies face rising claims costs, some homeowners may need to choose higher deductibles to keep their premiums affordable when insurers have to make up for their losses.

Others may find, too late, that they were underinsured when they go to file a claim, and in some higher-risk areas, homeowners may not be able to afford insurance at all. As a result, more families may be left paying out of pocket after a storm.

What is Being Done to Improve Resilience in Virginia

In October 2025, the Virginia Tornado and Straight-Line Wind Summit brought together more than 120 emergency managers, engineers, researchers, and public officials to strengthen Virginia’s resilience to severe wind events.

Co-led by Virginia Tech assistant professor Monica Arul, the first-of-its-kind statewide summit highlighted the risks posed by tornadoes and straight-line winds. Participants explored advances in forecasting, infrastructure design, communication, and community preparedness, aiming to shift the focus from predicting storms to strengthening protective systems.

Organizers plan to make the summit a recurring event to drive ongoing collaboration and progress in wind resilience across the state.

What Homeowners Can Do to Stay Ahead of the Risk

The good news? Small steps can make a real difference.

• Review your policy to understand wind and hail deductibles.

• Keep records and photos of your home’s condition.

• Invest in resilience upgrades, such as impact-resistant roofing, when possible. Look into IBHS's Fortified Roof program for guidance on improving your roof's resilience.

• Inspect your home in advance of a storm. Clean the gutters, secure objects to prevent them from flying in the wind, check trees for limb damage and have dead limbs removed, and have your roof inspected to resolve loose shingles or other issues.

Homes that are better protected—and better documented—are often easier and less costly to insure.

The Big Takeaway

Severe storms overtaking hurricanes as the biggest source of insurance losses doesn’t mean disaster is around every corner, but it does explain why homeowners everywhere are seeing changes in their insurance costs.

Storm risk is no longer just a coastal issue or a once-in-a-generation event. It’s becoming a regular part of life, and insurance is evolving to keep up.

Staying informed, prepared, and proactive can help you protect both your home and your peace of mind.

Insurance losses are no longer coming from one big event every few years—they’re happening over and over again.

This is why homeowners across the country—not just in hurricane zones—are seeing changes in their insurance.

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Sources: AON, Insurance Information Institute, Virginia Tech, Weather Channel, WSET