Texas Snowfall Means Insurance Claims

Last week’s record snowfall in North Texas – 12.5 inches in 24 hours, as measured at the Dallas/Fort Worth airport – has already resulted in insured losses of $25 million, according to information reported by the Insurance Council of Texas.

The heavy accumulation of snow in an area that rarely sees more than a few flurries caused widespread power outages, in addition to significant damage from falling trees and crashing roofs. As well, the area’s transportation system was paralyzed, and many schools and businesses were forced to close.

So far, there have been an estimated 4,200 claims filed from commercial and residential property owners, and motorists, with the average claim totaling about $6,000.

The snow began falling in the wee hours of last Thursday, February 11th, and didn’t completely taper off until almost 24 hours later. Power outages across the DFW metroplex left thousands of residents without heat or lights for several days.

Representatives of several homeowners and renters insurance companies are urging their customers to make physical inspections of their homes immediately, and call their insurers if anything seems amiss. “Inspections are free,” a State Farm ad reminds television viewers in the Dallas area.