Texas storm losses cost insurers US$175 million

Storms which struck the area of Amarillo, Texas in late June have already cost insurers US$175 million in claims, says the Insurance Council of Texas.The storm, which hit June 21 and brought high winds and hail, has resulted in about 32,000 claims at an average cost of $5,000 each. “The Amarillo storm was so destructive because of the size and shape of the hail that tore through homes and businesses,” says Insurance Council spokesperson Mark Hanna. “The hailstorm was followed by heavy winds and rain that made a catastrophic situation worse.”The hail is described as being as large as grapefruit in some cases, but shaped like discs which tore into buildings. Many auto claims were also filed as the hail damaged vehicles, specifically on car dealer lots.The storm now ranks as the sixth worst in the history of Texas.