BLOOMINGTON, Ill.,
01
April
2021
|
11:28 AM
America/Chicago

Extreme weather events highlight the importance of being prepared

More than $3.1 Billion Paid on 2020 Hail Damage Claims

The threat for strong storms is often one of the first signs of spring. Hail causes common and costly storm damage to homes and vehicles across the country. Severe weather resulted in more than 332,000 hail claims paid by State Farm® in 2020. While fewer claims than 2019, the amount paid on damage increased totaling more than $3.1 billion.

Total Hail Claims Paid | Home & Auto

  1. Texas $474.6M
  2. Illinois $394.2M
  3. Minnesota $259.2M
  4. Missouri $236.9M
  5. Colorado $207.9M

Hail can damage roofs, gutters, and windows while denting vehicles and cracking windshields. The average homeowner claim totaled nearly $12,000 and vehicle claims averaged more than $4,300, according to State Farm 2020 hail claims data.

Preparing for 2021

Extreme weather has already brought threats to parts of the country this year, but the threats are not over. Hail generally peaks during spring and summer but can occur any time of year.

What you can do now to prepare will help you weather the storm. Here are some steps to protect your property and family:

  • Review insurance coverage: Ask your State Farm agent what-if questions in an insurance review.
  • Know the claims process: Should your property be damaged, become familiar with the claims process now
  • Be weather aware: Stay connected to forecasts when severe weather threatens.
  • Update home inventory: Take pictures and video of your property for a detailed digital record
  • Preparation: If there’s time and it’s safe, put vehicles in the garage and move patio furniture under cover. Close your blinds and curtains to prevent broken glass from blowing inside, possibly causing injuries or damage.

Filing a Claim

As with any storm, nature is unpredictable and experiencing damage can be draining.

Document your damage with pictures. If you need to, make temporary repairs to prevent more damage. Take pictures and save the receipts related to the temporary repairs.

  • First Steps:
    • Tell us what happened
    • We’ll review your claim and policy to determine what is covered
    • You don’t have to be an insurance expert; we’ll tell you what happens next
    • We'll arrange payment - less your deductible – for covered losses.
    • After you file your claim, you can set up your payment and communication preferences.

While balancing health and safety with our commitment to customers, we continue to innovate and leverage technology by offering virtual claim handling.

Recovery and Rebuilding

If you do have to make repairs, consider improved building materials, including an impact resistant roof, which could qualify for insurance premium discounts.