Homeowners are rushing to file insurance claims after Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction across six states. Many of them will likely be left empty-handed. Property insurers in recent years have hollowed out coverage and sharply increased rates to make up for steep underwriting losses driven by natural disasters.

Widespread damage to homes and cars has fueled a huge surge in insurance claims and the destruction has also fueled a lot of confusion about what's covered and what's not. Read more:

A for-profit insurance industry is a bad first line of defense against natural disasters. There’s a better way.

The devastation Hurricane Helene caused may be followed by devastation of another flavor: financial. Politico reports homeowners' insurance generally does not cover flood damage, which must be purchased separately.