RMS

RMS Releases U.S. Storm Surge Hazard Dataset for Enhanced Underwriting

Comprehensive Flood Risk Data Enables Instant Analysis and Improved Underwriting

Calif – October 4, 2011 – Risk Management Solutions (RMS) today announced the release of its U.S. Storm Surge Dataset, which enables underwriters to instantly determine properties at risk of storm surge. Available across all 21 U.S. hurricane states and Washington D.C., this extensive data allows insurers to make more informed risk selection and pricing decisions to reduce uncertainty and ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines. Derived from the Version 11.0 RMS^® U.S. Hurricane Model, the data offers a consistent view of risk across an insurer's entire transfer chain, from the point of underwriting, to portfolio management and reinsurance purchasing.

"Our new storm surge data couldn't be more relevant for the market at this time," said John Kapitan, senior vice president of Underwriting and Data Solutions at RMS. "The Storm Surge Dataset is an indispensable tool at each stage of underwriting, from automated processing for personal lines to high-touch large commercial and industrial applications, and will help insurers make quick, well-informed decisions on storm surge risk."

The data identifies properties at risk of storm surge on average every 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 years for multiple bands of flood depth, and the data is provided at a detailed resolution of up to 100 meters. The data is seamlessly integrated into RMS products, including RiskBrowser^®, RiskBrowser Online^®, RiskSearch^®, RiskTools^®; and through geospatial shape-files.

An Informed, Comprehensive View of Risk

Risk managers can also leverage the data to gain valuable insight into portfolio diversification opportunities within hurricane states and clearly identify and monitor storm surge accumulation "hot spots."

"Used in combination with other hazard data, our Storm Surge Dataset enhances the risk selection process and provides a more complete view of risk," Mr. Kapitan added. "This unique perspective gives our clients a more detailed understanding of the drivers of hurricane loss and, because the information is based on the same data, provides consistency from hazard information through to modeled loss."
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