A big year for disasters last year is reflected in this year’s slight increases in insurance rates. State insurance director John Huff says Missouri has never known a disaster of the scope of the Joplin tornado.
He expects the total insurance claims from Joplin alone to reach almost two-billion dollars.
Insurance companies that have filed their rates with the state so far are showing five percent increases in premiums.
One small insurance company Barton County Mutual Group, is in rehabilitation after being hit hard by claims from policyholders.
Huff says Missourians will be helping pay for insurance company payouts for Joplin and other disasters last year. He says companies are increasing premiums an average of five percent this year.
The department reports the rates but cannot control them.