Nationwide Reports Storm Claims May Top $62M

Nationwide Insurance reported that it has received more than 14,500 claims from recent hail and wind storms that swept through nine states, including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Tennessee, and Texas.

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, estimates insured policyholder losses could be more than $62 million.

This is one of the worst weather-related storms that we have experienced in this region, according to Ken Enscoe, Nationwide’s director of catastrophe claims operations.

“We activated the Nationwide National Catastrophe Team early Monday to bring more claims representatives to the areas hardest hit by the storm,” he said. “We hope to have all claims closed in a couple of weeks,” Enscoe said. “Our claims force will work seven-days-a-week and our agents are assisting with the claims reporting process so that are we able to continue to provide exceptional customer service.”

The company projects 15,000 claims from Texas, 3,100 claims from New York, 1,600 claims from Mississippi, and additional claims coming from Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Tennessee.

The majority of the claims are for damages to dwellings and automobiles. The hail and heavy winds caused roof and shingle damage. Wind-swept debris also resulted in many broken windows and damage to vehicles. There also is damage in the Northern states related to ice and water.