Illinois is a state in the Midwestern United States, known for its diverse economic base and central location. It is geographically nestled in the heart of the country, with the Mississippi River to the west and the Great Lakes to the east. The largest city in Illinois is Chicago, which is a major hub for transportation, finance, and industry.
Illinois has a rich history, with its first inhabitants being the Native American tribes, such as the Miami, Sauk, and Fox. In the 17th century, French explorers arrived, and the area eventually became part of the United States following the Revolutionary War. The state played a significant role in the Civil War and was a major center for the Underground Railroad.
The main risks in Illinois include natural disasters, such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flooding, as well as man-made risks like crime and transportation accidents.
Over the last 30 years, several events have led to a large volume of home insurance claims in Illinois:
Tornadoes:
Illinois is part of the Tornado Alley, and severe storms have caused significant damage in the state. For example, the 1990 Plainfield tornado caused 29 fatalities and over $165 million in damages.
Flooding:
The state has experienced several major floods, such as the Great Flood of 1993, which caused extensive damage to homes and businesses along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
Severe thunderstorms:
In 2015, a severe thunderstorm in Northern Illinois caused widespread damage, with hail the size of baseballs and wind gusts exceeding 80 mph.
Man-made risks:
Although not as common as natural disasters, man-made risks like crime and transportation accidents can also lead to home insurance claims. For example, in 2005, a train derailment in the Chicago suburb of Glenview caused a massive fire and forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
These events highlight the importance of having adequate home insurance coverage in Illinois to protect against potential high risks and homeowners insurance losses.