The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey will unfold for months to come. Unfortunately, natural disasters have a way of pointing out some of the more unsexy aspects of our financial lives, like the details of property and casualty insurance coverage. Of course the time to review and become familiar with the terms of your policies is not in the aftermath of a severe event, but before it occurs. That said, many victims of a flood learn quickly that standard homeowners’ policies cover structural and water damage only in limited circumstances, like when a falling tree knocks a hole in a roof or breaks a window, allowing rain to fall inside.
Read MoreHurricane Harvey had a devastating catastrophic and life threatening impact across the Gulf and as the region prepares to clean up, analysts are worried that the economic effect could be devastating. The Texas Gulf Coast oil and gas industries are likely to see the first wave of problems. It is estimated that the region accounts for nearly a third of the nation's refinery capability. Given that many refineries had to close ahead of the storm, Americans could see gas prices spike by between 5-15 cents a gallon, especially in the South, Southeast and mid-Atlantic. Prior to the storm, the region enjoyed some of the lowest prices at the pump, ranging from about $2.10 to $2.21 per gallon, versus the national average of $2.36, according to AAA. Although the increase could be dramatic, it is likely to be brief.
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