Nearly 7,000 Insurance Claims Filed After St. Louis Tornado

Missouri insurance regulators say major homeowners and auto insurance companies in the state have received nearly 7,000 claims from St. Louis residents with damage from the April 22 (Good Friday) tornado.

The companies reported their claims to the Missouri Department of Insurance, which released these findings:

• Homeowners insurance claims: 4,490
• Auto insurance claims: 2,245
• Commercial property claims: 240
• Buildings with large or total losses: 137
• Total claims: 6,975

One insurer reported nearly 2,500 claims, while another reported nearly 1,800. The data comes from insurance companies in Missouri that make up more than 85 percent of the homeowners insurance market.

“Missouri consumers and insurers have acted quickly to assess property damage and get claims filed,” said John M. Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance. “Our department will continue to monitor developments to make sure that consumers are receiving their benefits they’re due under their insurance policies.”

The department has posted resources for storm victims on its website, including consumer tips and toll-free claims numbers for 18 of the major insurance companies in Missouri. The site also lists the addresses of mobile claims command units of five companies, which welcome walk-ins. Other companies have command units, but request that policyholders call to set up an appointment at the command center.

Huff says his biggest concern now is unscrupulous contractors who often prey on homeowners during a time of dire need. Advice for dealing with repair companies is also available from the department’s online resources page.

Source: Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration