Frequency of Natural Disasters In Colorado Up Nearly 300%

If it seems to you that a lot of bad things have been happening in Colorado in recent years, it's not just your imagination.

UnprecedentedOccurrences of Natural Disasters

Over the last 20 years, Colorado has seen the occurrences of natural disasters increase by 275%. The only state with a larger increase during that time is Kansas, which saw a jump of 288%. Consider this. Between 1982 and 2001 there were 12 natural disasters in Colorado. But, from 2002 to 2021, we've experienced a total of 45 damage-causing natural events. Drought, wildfires, and floods have been major culprits in Colorado.

The startling numbers come from Quote Wizard, an insurance policy search engine, which shows a disturbing trend nationwide. Across the country, no less than nine states have experienced a 200% or more increase in natural disasters over the last two decades. Be thankful you don't live in Texas, where they have had 103 natural disasters since 2002.

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The Cost of Natural Disasters Is Staggering

Tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, hail, landslides and mudslides, drought, and winter storms are the types of natural disasters that are wreaking havoc in the insurance industry. Over the last 40 years in Colorado alone, the cost of natural disasters is between $20 billion and $50 billion. In states like California and Florida, the cost is in the neighborhood of $200 billion.

Someone Has To Pay the Bills

It seems inevitable that homeowners would see the cost of all of these natural disasters reflected on their homeowner's insurance premiums. According to Quote Wizard, homeowners insurance coverage in Colorado is eighth-most expensive in the country and it's on the rise. On average, Colorado homeowners can expect a 12% increase in premiums this year.

It would be a good idea to check your homeowner's insurance policy and see which natural disasters are covered - and which are not. You never know when disaster is going to strike, but based on the recent trend, there may be one waiting just around the corner.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.