Show-Me State Times

Senator Josh Hawley has addressed insurance companies with concerns about reports of denied claims related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In a letter sent today, the Senator urged these companies to testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Disaster Management, which he chairs. The focus is on their claim processing practices following the devastation caused by the hurricanes.

“These reports [of coverage denials] are outrageous. Americans purchase insurance so that when disaster strikes, they and their loved ones will have some recourse. That is the reason insurance companies exist in the first place,” wrote Senator Hawley. “Denying coverage to American policyholders, at a time when so many of them have been displaced and left grieving, is not merely a betrayal—it is morally obscene.”

The letter follows President Trump's recent visit to western North Carolina, where he met with hurricane victims still grappling with destruction and loss. During his press conference, President Trump encouraged victims to share their experiences and name the insurance companies denying their claims.

In his communication, Senator Hawley highlighted widespread reports indicating that some insurers are denying homeowner claims post-hurricanes as a way to limit liabilities. He emphasized that this could result in Americans losing any chance to rebuild after already suffering significant losses.

The Senator invited insurers to provide answers regarding how many claims have been denied, the grounds for these denials, and their average response time for disaster-related claims.

Senator Hawley expressed anticipation for responses from these companies.