The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) report is based on a review of claims data from ISO ClaimSearch during the period of January 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2019, totaling 2,769,362 hail loss claims.
The top 5 states for hail loss claims were: Texas (637,977), Colorado (380,066), Nebraska (161,374), Minnesota (150,673) and Illinois (150,416).
The top 5 cities for hail loss claims during that period were: Omaha, Neb. (54,153); Denver, Colo. (51,887); Colorado Springs, Colo. (38,044); McKinney, Texas (34,134); and Dallas, Texas (25,262).
Of the 5 policy types providing hail loss coverage, personal property-homeowners was the most affected with 1,711,094 claims or 62% of the three-year total. It was followed by personal auto with 734,985 claims and personal property – farm with 153,737 claims. While annual hail damage is generally a function of severe storm frequency and location, what is more predictable is the appearance of unscrupulous contractors— “storm chasers”—who swoop in promising a quick repair. These unsolicited approaches are red flags as nearly all post-storm repair scams begin with an unsolicited visit to a victim by a repair person. NICB urges property owners to use caution when hiring contractors and workers for property repairs.
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