(InvestigateTV) — The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information recorded 28 separate billion-dollar disasters in 2023.

The high cost has caused some insurance carriers to leave certain states all together because of a rise in natural disaster claims.

Shannon Martin with Bankrate said that means more homeowners across the U.S. are left paying the bill for damage caused by tornadoes, wildfires, flooding, tropical cyclones, earthquakes and severe storms.

Martin said those who can afford to update their homes for the most common disasters in their areas should do it.

“If you can invest in hurricane shutters, if you can invest in reinforcing your roof, roof clips you definitely want to take the time to do it,” Martin stressed. “Reach out to local programs to see what grants you have available to you. If you can’t do those things, even just little things, get your roof inspected. Make sure all the cracks in your foundation are filled. Every little mitigation effort you take means you might have less damage in the next storm.”

Those looking to buy a home should research that area. Martin said potential buyers can even get quotes for homeowner’s insurance on different homes they are looking at before buying.

“I always recommend for people to take out their policies. Look at their coverage,” she urged. “And if you don’t understand something, I know we live in a fast-paced world and we like to do things online through chat, things are getting so extreme right now, it’s really time to reach out directly to your personal agent to your personal broker. Have them walk through the policy with you.”

Martin said look closely for missing coverage. Is there too much coverage in one area that can be shifted to better protect another area?

She also said to shop around for home insurance to try to get a better price.

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