Published on: October 7, 2025, at 10:31 AM.
Updated on: October 7, 2025, at 10:37 AM.
- The parking garage at Potawatomi Casino Hotel faced severe flooding in August
- The owners of underinsured vehicles are struggling to secure compensation for the damages
The Potawatomi Casino Hotel, along with the rest of Milwaukee, witnessed unprecedented flooding in August. According to the tribal resort’s insurance provider, they do not hold any responsibility for this “natural disaster.”
Characterized by forecasters as a “once-in-a-millennium occurrence,” the Milwaukee region experienced up to 10 inches of rainfall within a mere 48 hours from August 9-10. This extraordinary precipitation was caused by a rare weather pattern over Lake Michigan’s western shore.
Meteorologists did not predict the storm until the day prior to its arrival, severely impacting the Wauwatosa area near the Potawatomi Casino.
The exceptional storm caused severe damage to hundreds of vehicles at the tribal casino, with many being completely destroyed. The underground valet section of the parking structure was hardest hit, while self-parked vehicles on the first level of the six-story garage also faced significant water damage.
Car owners were only allowed to access their vehicles again on Thursday, August 14. Upon retrieval, many discovered extensive damage and were compelled to file claims with their insurance providers.
Underinsurance Challenges
As reported by Casino.org, standard auto insurance policies generally exclude flood-related damages. Only comprehensive coverage, which protects against “non-collision” incidents, will cover such water damage, along with protection from hail, fire, vandalism, and theft.
Visitors at Potawatomi Casino who faced vehicle damage during the floods discovered from their insurance carriers that their standard policies did not cover this “natural disaster.” Roger McGee shared with the NBC News affiliate in Milwaukee that he sought compensation from the casino’s property insurer after his vehicle was deemed a total loss.
Having utilized valet services during his visit, McGee believes the casino should have relocated his vehicle from the underground area before the flooding occurred.
Recently, McGee received a denial of his claim from Tribal First, a nationwide insurer servicing Native American tribes under Alliant, a leading insurance broker in the US.
According to the denial letter, “The adverse conditions causing this loss were a natural event. Our investigation found no indicators of negligence or liability. While we empathize with any hardship caused by this incident, we must, unfortunately, deny your claim,” read Tribal First’s response to McGee.
The loss you experienced is attributed to a natural occurrence. Our evaluation concluded no negligence or liability was evident. We regret any unfortunate incidents affecting our patrons and extend our sympathies, but we must respectfully deny your claim,” the letter concluded.
Interestingly, the letter was signed by Michael McGee, the Tribal First Liability Adjuster, sharing the same last name as the claimant.
Comprehensive Damages
Milwaukee officials report that the August floods resulted in the destruction of at least 51 homes, alongside damages to over 4,500 residential and commercial properties.
The storm is estimated to have caused approximately $43 million in infrastructural damage and an additional $21 million in property damage. Tragically, three fatalities are believed to be linked to the storm, with two cases of drowning and another due to carbon monoxide poisoning.