Thousands of claims follow U.S. Midwest tornadoes

Tornadoes that recently hit a number of Midwest states have already resulted in thousands of insurance claims.Preliminary numbers indicate approximately 100 storms struck Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, causing less than 12 deaths. The National Weather Service has not confirmed the actual number of tornadoes to hit the region.A current tally indicates that that the catastrophic event has caused US$25 million or more in insured property losses, according to the Property Claim Services unit of the N.J.-based Insurance Services Offices Inc. Springfield, Ill. was hit by twin F2-strength twisters, while at least 14 tornadoes touched down across central Missouri and northeast Kansas, the strongest being an F3 tornado.Currently, State Farm Insurance Co. has received about:* 20,000 auto claims and 11,000 homeowners claims in Missouri; * 5,500 auto claims and 2,500 homeowners claims in Kansas; * 4,000 auto claims and 2,500 homeowners claims in Arkansas; and * 780 auto claims and 2,400 homeowners claims in Illinois.Adjusters and state and federal officials, are still assessing the bulk of the damage.