Insurance adjusters are fanning out across Texas, estimating repairs to cars, homes and businesses from this week's hail storms.
Aaron Wilkerson with the Texas Farm Bureau says his company is bringing in extra staff from around the state to respond to claims from North Texas to San Antonio -- including some claims for hail damage to farm equipment and crops.
“The main areas, though, that it’s 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.”
The National Weather Service says San Antonio’s hail storm is unusual because it fell over such a highly populated area for an extended period of time. The largest hailstone reported was 3-1/2 inches in diameter, the largest reported since a hailstorm here in 2002.
Insurance companies ask for patience as they process claims. Wilkerson says the most serious cases -- those with holes in the roof or broken windshields -- have to go to the front of the line.
“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.” Wilkerson adds that if customers wait until it’s not so busy, the additional claims adjusters may be gone.
Texas Farm Bureau reminds the insured that they are responsible for making sure no further damage occurs to the vehicle or home - and to board up holes or keep cars under cover until repairs can begin.
More rain was expected in the San Antonio area this weekend.
