The Senate Banking Committee held a hearing titled "Examining Insurance Markets and the Role of Mitigation Policies" to address challenges facing the U.S. insurance market amid rising catastrophe risks. Insurers may face up to $145 billion in catastrophe losses in 2025, with Swiss Re estimating a 1-in-10 chance of $300 billion in insured losses due to unprecedented coastal growth. Testimonies highlighted that climate change is not the primary driver of rising insurance premiums; rather, government policies are largely responsible. Senators emphasized the importance of mitigation efforts and insurance market reforms that align rates with actual risks to keep coverage affordable and available. The hearing marked the Senate's initial public step toward potential insurance market reforms, though significant legislative work remains. Additional discussions on climate risks and insurance challenges, including in Florida, are planned.
Home insurance rates are rising, fueled by increasing risk from climate change. Join @amprog on Thursday, 5/8 for a discussion full of tough questions and fresh ideas for policy solutions with @SenWhitehouse @FairweatherPhD @alastairgee. RSVP here: https://t.co/jiY8x5plRL
Florida climate risks: Heat, flooding and insurance changes https://t.co/BArrRYesGu
"Climate change" is not driving the rise in insurance premiumsโbad government policies are. I explained why in my testimony and Q&A today for the Senate Banking committee. (Watch until the end for a memorable exchange with Senator @MarkWarner.) https://t.co/Nul9bKC4ZF