Mid-May was a nervewracking time for Michiganders. If you were checking your weather app during the spate of tornadoes on May 15-16, you saw a screen full of red. There were active active tornado warnings all across the state. Thunderstorms and tornadoes blasted us from west to east and all the way up into the north as the storm front moved through. This was, of course, only weeks after the disastrous and historic ice storm in late March that downed trees, electrical wires, and buildings from Petoskey to Alpena. It’s all a vivid and unsettling reminder: increasing storm severity is no longer the exception to the rule for our state - it’s the new normal. It’s also why insurance preparedness is so important.
Across the United States we’re seeing a clear and measurable rise in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events - tornadoes, derechos, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and everything in between. And these storms aren’t just more common, they’re more destructive, more expensive, and more unpredictable than ever before.
Michigan’s Tornado Count Doubles the Average
As of May 21, 2025, Michigan has recorded 27 confirmed tornadoes - more than double the state's annual average of 13. This surge ties 2025 with previous high-activity years like 1986, 1988, and 2010, making it one of the top 10 most tornado-active years since 1950.
Notably, Kent County has experienced five tornadoes this year, the highest in the state. Other affected counties include Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Eaton, Genesee, Kalamazoo, Livingston, Newaygo, and Saginaw.
The Financial Toll of Increasing Storm Severity
From homes to businesses, storm-related damage is now one of the top reasons for insurance claims in the U.S. According to NOAA, the U.S. averaged 18 separate billion-dollar weather disasters each year from 2018 to 2023. That’s nearly double the average from the early 2000s.
Even areas not traditionally known for extreme weather, like parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, are experiencing stronger storms, flash flooding, and even unexpected tornado outbreaks. And as rebuilding costs soar due to inflation and supply chain issues, underinsured property owners are being left to pick up the pieces.
What This Means for Your Insurance Coverage
If you haven’t reviewed your insurance policy lately, now is the time. Weather trends are shifting fast, and your coverage needs to keep up. Here’s where to start:
1. Review Your Dwelling Coverage Limits
Ask yourself: Could I rebuild my home at today’s prices if it were a total loss? If the answer is “I’m not sure,” it’s time to update your policy with current replacement cost values.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) means your insurance will cover the full cost to rebuild or repair your home using materials of similar kind and quality without deducting for depreciation. It’s an inportant distinction that ensures you’re not left paying out-of-pocket to make your home whole again after a disaster.
2. Understand Your Deductibles
Some policies now include separate wind, hail, or hurricane deductibles, which can be significantly higher than your base deductible. Make sure you know what you’ll be responsible for out-of-pocket.
3. Check for Gaps in Coverage
Most standard homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. If you live near a river, lake, or low-lying area, or even if your region has seen recent heavy rainfall, you may want to consider a separate flood insurance policy.
4. Inventory Your Personal Property
In the aftermath of a storm, you’ll need documentation to claim lost or damaged belongings. A simple video of your home stored in the cloud can make a huge difference.
Start by walking through each room in your home and taking photos or videos of your belongings. Focus on furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, tools, jewelry, and high-value items. If possible, include receipts, model numbers, or appraisals for big-ticket purchases. Store this documentation in a secure cloud service or a fireproof/waterproof container.
Having a complete inventory not only speeds up the claims process but also helps ensure you receive the full replacement value of your lost possessions. Some insurance companies even offer apps or forms to help you catalog everything efficiently. A little preparation now can make a world of difference if the unexpected happens.
5. Look Into Business Interruption & Extra Expense Coverage
If you’re a business owner, storm damage could shut you down for weeks. Business interruption insurance can help cover lost revenue, temporary relocation, and ongoing expenses during downtime.
Stay Ahead of the Storm
Insurance preparedness matters. We can’t control the weather, unfortunately, but we can control how ready we are when it hits. Don’t wait until after the fact to find out your insurance coverage isn’t enough. Review your policy and ask the hard questions. Talk to an experienced independent insurance advisor who understands your risks. Whether you’re protecting your home, farm, a storefront, or a fleet of vehicles, being proactive today could save you financially tomorrow.
If you need help assessing your risk or finding the right coverage, reach out to our team at Navisure Insurance Group for a free policy review. We’ll help you prepare for - and weather - any storm.
COREY VANDERMEER | PRESIDENT
Corey started his insurance career in the claims department for a national carrier and learned the basics of insurance coverage and how it’s applied. From there he decided to take the jump into sales and joined an independent insurance agency. Here he learned how to build coverage around the needs of each individual and cater to every client. When Corey decided to start an insurance agency he did so with the intention of simplifying the process of getting insured. With a focus on technology and simplicity; his goal was to create an insurance agency that was different from those currently dominating the market place.
When he’s not working, Corey enjoys golfing, fly fishing and spending time with his wife and kids. Together they enjoy traveling to Northern Michigan and to his wife’s hometown of San Francisco.