This year’s Atlantic hurricane season was the busiest since 2012, with 15 named storms, seven of which were hurricanes, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Hermine and Matthew were the only two named storms to make US landfall as hurricanes, costing insurers more than $US700 million ($943 million) in Florida alone.

Before they struck, US property and casualty payouts for natural disasters totalled $US14.5 billion in the half-year to June 30, up 31% on the corresponding period last year.

The five other Atlantic hurricanes were Alex, Earl, Gaston, Nicole and Otto.

Gaston, Matthew and Nicole were classified as major hurricanes, with sustained wind speeds of at least 178kmh.

Wind damage is covered under standard home, renters’ and business insurance policies, but flood damage from storm surge is not. Instead, it is available through the Government’s National Flood Insurance Program and a few private insurers.

Storm damage to cars is covered under an optional comprehensive portion of motor insurance policies.