Tornadoes Leave Trail of Destruction, Hundreds File Insurance Claims

Strategic Insights -

As the St. Louis metro area grappled with the aftermath of the tornadoes that struck on Friday, hundreds of residents have already filed claims for property damage with the three largest insurance carriers in Missouri. With over 700 claims filed, the insurers are gearing up to handle the influx of requests. State Farm, the largest insurer in the state, has received 350 claims, primarily in the St. Louis metro area, with 18 claims representatives working in the area. American Family Insurance has received 150 claims, with the number expected to reach 250 to 300, while Shelter Mutual Insurance Co. has had 78 policyholders file claims.

Key Takeaways:

  • The three largest insurance carriers in Missouri have already received over 700 claims for property damage, with State Farm leading the way with 350 claims.
  • The majority of claims have been filed by residents in the St. Louis metro area, with Sunset Hills and Rolla experiencing significant damage.
  • Policyholders are advised to make temporary repairs and keep receipts to facilitate the claims process, as costs can be refundable.
  • Unscrupulous contractors have been known to prey on customers, and policyholders are encouraged to avoid entering into contracts before speaking with their claim representative.
  • American Family Insurance has 20 adjusters working in the St. Louis area assessing claims, with seven additional adjusters working statewide.
  • Shelter Mutual Insurance Co. has a separate claims process for auto and property damage.
  • State Farm's Jim Camoriano stated that the company's policy rates will not increase due to this storm, as premiums are based on anticipated claims over a 20-year period.

Statistics:

  • Over 700 claims have been filed with the three largest insurance carriers in Missouri.
  • 350 claims have been filed with State Farm.
  • 150 claims have been filed with American Family Insurance, expected to reach 250-300.
  • 78 policyholders have filed claims with Shelter Mutual Insurance Co.
  • 18 claims representatives are working in the St. Louis area for State Farm.
  • 20 adjusters are working in the St. Louis area for American Family Insurance, with seven additional adjusters working statewide.

Sources:

  • State Farm spokesman Jim Camoriano
  • American Family Insurance spokesman Steve Witmer
  • Shelter Mutual Insurance Co. vice president of claims Matt Moore
  • Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration, data from 2009
  • Insurance Times article, "Tornadoes and insurance claims"
  • Missouri state insurance department website (insurance.mo.gov/consumer/weather)
  • Journal by J.B. Forbes (AP)