2011 storms drive up state insurance costs

Financial toll still felt in some communities. Insured damage skyrockets to nearly 6 times initial estimate.

Tornadoes that devastated pockets of homes and businesses across North Georgia one year ago are translating into higher insurance rates for homeowners across the state.

Insured damage, estimated at $75 million in the immediate aftermath of the deadly storms, has skyrocketed to nearly six times that amount — $435 million — as the extent of the destruction became clear, state officials said.

That has insurance companies clamoring for relief from the recovery has been funded through insurance payouts.

A rash of tornadoes touched down on April 27, 2011, throughout the South, with Alabama bearing the worst of their onslaught. In Georgia, 15 people died, and the northwest corner of the Peach State was particularly hard hit. Some areas south of Atlanta also sustained heavy damage.

Today, homes are sprouting again amid the rubble, and many businesses are coming back to life in communities such as Ringgold and Griffin.

FEMA has pledged about $5.45 million in personal assistance grants to Georgians. Of the 5,604 people who applied for FEMA aid, 1,273 were determined to be eligible. FEMA officials said that a 20 percent eligibility rate is typical following disasters.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has divvied up more than $8 million in low-

Tornadoes