8 States Where You Really Need Natural Disaster Insurance

Can you feel it in your bum knee? There's gonna be weather. Tornado season and hurricane season are upon us, and if you're paranoid that an act of God is going to wipe you out, you should probably consider getting natural disaster insurance. Hurricanes could plow over your city. A tornado could ravage a nearby trailer park, and within minutes there could be debris all over the roads and rednecks on the television. One of the best ways to clear your mind during life's storms is to have a plan (which probably includes insurance) in place. And it's got to be location specific. So, check out these eight states where you really need natural disaster insurance. And break out that dusty Twister VHS, because it's going to be a long night.

1. Hawaii

   This chain of islands was literally formed by tectonic shifts that produced giant mountains that shoot red-hot molten material from Earth's core into the sky with alarming ferocity. And there's always a chance of a catastrophic tsunami or flood. While the island boasts some of the most beautiful vistas in the entire world, the Aloha spirit may not be enough to shield you from the awesome power of nature.

2. Florida

   Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and wildfires — not to mention swamp things, alligators, and a bunch of hillbillies — prove that if you live in Florida, you need to be insured. In 2006, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico was felt in Florida. Hurricanes Andrew, Ike, Katrina, and Wilma also have hit the state, with Andrew and Katrina doing plenty of damage. Miami specifically is the city most at risk of Mother Nature's wrath.

3. Louisiana

   For all the hurricanes in Florida, most of them also hit Louisiana, too. New Orleans is on the 2008 U.S. city rankings for natural disasters list, and it's no surprise why. Who could forget the national fracas caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita? The state is still recovering, and there remains social and political fallout due to a lack of response preparedness, as well as population fluctuations. Flash floods also affect the state, so it's a good idea to be as prepared as possible. And not just with beads for Mardi Gras.

4. Texas

   Houston is the place to be, and everything's bigger in Texas. The fourth largest city in the country, Houston is truly the shining star of metropolitan diversity in the state. If you want it, you can find it in Houston. (And Austin's nothing to laugh at, either.) Unfortunately, the sprawling metropolis is also a huge port city, and host to many natural disasters, including hurricanes, flash floods, and lots of inclement weather. Due to variant weather patterns, the rest of the state is also susceptible to floods and tornadoes. Boasting great infrastructure and disaster readiness, a little bit of insurance can go a long way in the Lone Star State.

1. The Eastern Seaboard

   Although these states are used to blizzards, Nor'Easters, floods, and even the occasional hurricane, it's smart to be as ready for disaster as you can. While you shouldn't be a shoe-in for Doomsday Preppers, having a policy in case of emergency could serve you well in these small states. And even though most states have the infrastructure to minimize disaster damages, the Eastern seaboard can be a worrisome place to live if you're afraid of acts of God.

2. Oklahoma

   When it comes to Oklahoma, there's a lot to complain about. Besides university life, there are limited options for fun to be had. But this southern state in middle America can boast one thing: it's the bona fide heart of Tornado Alley. Oklahoma City and Tulsa are two of the places to watch out for as far as tornadoes go, as there has been lots of damage to the state over many years.

3. Alaska

   It's not the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1946 (that's a real thing, by the way), but flooding, ice (both melting and destructively overriding), and wildfires have previously wreaked havoc on the state. According to the Alaska Climate Assessment Commission, "between 1978 and 2007, Alaska has declared over 226 disasters, costing [the state] over $378 million." Floods, storms, and avalanches were the reasons for most of the incurred cost. Not a pretty picture if you're looking to be a snow bunny.

4. California

   Hippies, tsunamis, earthquakes, the tech sector, and some of the most beautiful land in the country — all of these things come with the high cost of living in the Sunshine State. Of the 12 U.S. cities that are most at risk of natural disaster, a whopping five of them (Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland) are in California. And with rumors always circling that it's about to fall into the ocean, you'd better check your tectonic anxiety threshold before permanently bedding down.

Taken From Insurance Quotes