RMIIA News Releases

7951 E. Maplewood Avenue, Suite 110
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Serving Colorado, New Mexico, Utah & Wyoming

Contact: Carole Walker, Executive Director
303-790-0216 or toll free 800-355-9524

Tuesday's Gusts Blow in Colorado's 4th Most Expensive Windstorm

January 2, 2009 – Some Colorado residents spent the New Year making repairs and calling their insurance companies after strong winds pounded the Front Range, Colorado Springs, the Eastern Plains and Southern Wyoming early Tuesday.  The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association estimates the damage from the windstorm at approximately $7 million from the 2,500 homeowner and car insurance claims filed so far.  While there was some major damage reported, most of the claims appear to be from more minor losses to roofs, fences and vehicles.

“The higher price tag of this week's storm is due to the widespread damage resulting in a large number of smaller claims,” says Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.  “Colorado windstorms don't typically cause expensive insured damage.  That's why homeowners should weigh whether minor maintenance damage to a few shingles or a fence even meets their out-of-pocket deductible.”  However, homeowners who need to file claims should make temporary repairs and call their insurance company as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

According to RMIIA, Colorado's top five most costly windstorms are:

• $20 million in insured damage occurred along the Front Range on April 8-10, 1999.
• $20 million in insured damage occurred in Boulder County on Jan. 17, 1982.
• $10 million in insured damage occurred along the Front Range on Jan. 28-29, 1987.
• $7 million in insured damage occurred along the Front Range, Colorado Springs, Eastern Plains on December 30, 2008.
• $5.2 million in insured damage occurred along the Front Range on Oct. 29, 1996.
• $3 million in insured damage occurred along the Front Range on Feb. 2-3, 1999.

Claims Filing Advice
The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association has this advice for affected residents filing claims for damage.

Also visit: Filing a Homeowners Claim | Filing an Auto Claim

• Be prepared to give your agent or insurance representative a description of any damage.  Your agent will report the loss immediately to your insurance company or a qualified adjuster. Some companies also have 24-hour, 800 numbers for claims assistance.

• Take photos of the damaged areas.  These will help with your claims process and will assist the adjuster in the investigation.

• Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.  Be sure to make two copies—one for yourself and one for the adjuster.  Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.

• Make whatever temporary repairs you can.  Cover broken windows, damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction.  Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase.  Your company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.

• Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home from a reliable contractor and give it to the adjuster.  The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.

• Serious losses will be given priority.  If your home has been destroyed or seriously damaged, your agent will do everything possible to assure that you are given priority.

For more consumer information on insurance topics logon to www.rmiia.org.

Also visit: Tornadoes & Wind

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Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association is a non-profit consumer information organization. Affiliated with the Insurance Information Institute, RMIIA has been serving consumers and the media since 1952.