Foreclosures lead to uninsured properties

The scores of abandoned houses left vacant due to foreclosures have created an insurance gap as well, which could raise the cost of settling claims after a hurricane. Empty houses are vulnerable to vandalism and fire and won’t get the preparatory protections needed to weather a severe storm. Insurers will pay for insured losses for policy holders, but some people get dropped or must pay higher premiums if they have multiple claims. If insurers’ losses increase significantly, everyone’s rates could go up. Lenders who’ve foreclosed on properties said they are not responsible for these houses and condo units, because they don’t officially own them.