The severe hailstorm that struck the North Texas and San Antonio areas has insurance carriers operating in the region scrambling to respond to the large volume of claims being made.
According to the National Weather Service, the hailstorm weather that developed over San Antonio was unusual in that it fell over such a densely populated area for an extended period of time. The hailstorms were such that the largest hailstone reported following the weather event was a record 3 ½ inches in diameter—the largest the area has seen since 2002.
With hundreds upon hundreds of policyholders filing claims, carriers such as the Texas Farm Bureau have resorted to brining in extra staff from around the state to help out with the claims, an article on Texas Public Radio’s (TPR) website detailed.
“The main areas, though, that [the hailstorm has] impacted so far are the urban areas. And some of the larger hail I understand has gone through people’s roofs and through the decking into their house,” said Aaron Wilkerson of Texas Farm Bureau, in a statement to TPR.
Wilkerson remarked that the most serious claims are being prioritized first. He cited roofing with holes and broken windshields as examples of claims that are “top priority” to Texas Farm Bureau.
He also urged policyholders to act now in filing claims while insurers still have the extra manpower at hand.
“You have to prioritize by triage. But we encourage early reporting because, right now, we’re focused on getting people to the areas for help.”
