Texas Storms Spark 50% Spike in Weather-Related Car Claims

Hail, Flood and Wind Drive Damage in the Lone Star State

IRVING, Texas, April 27 -- The number of storm-related car insurance claims climbed 50% for Allstate Insurance customers in the Lone Star State last year. These weather-related auto claims include damage caused by hail, wind and floods. El Paso, Lubbock and Houston saw the largest increases in claims when comparing 2008 to 2009, according to Texas' second largest auto insurer.

                            % Increase in Weather-Related
  City                      Auto Claims
  Austin                                              170%
  Beaumont                                            533%
  Corpus Christi                                       93%
  El Paso                                            2613%
  Houston                                             857%
  Lubbock                                            1849%
  Midland-Odessa                                      102%
  San Antonio                                         302%
  -----------                                         ---
  Round Rock                                          855%
  ----------                                          ---

Some areas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Tyler-Longview and Amarillo, saw a decrease in the number of weather-related claims:

                           % Decrease in Weather-Related
  City                     Auto Claims
  Abilene                                            -36%
  Amarillo                                           -56%
  Dallas-Fort Worth                                  -47%
  Rio Grande Valley                                  -89%
  Tyler Longview                                     -91%
  Waco-Temple-Killeen                                -89%
  Wichita Falls                                      -33%
  -------------                                      ---
  Texarkana                                          -98%
  ---------                                          ---

In 2009, Texas led the nation with $2.45 billion in catastrophe losses, even without a hurricane, according to the Insurance Services Office (ISO). With total catastrophe losses in the country at $10.57 billion, Texas represented about 23% of all catastrophe losses in the United States last year.

"The Allstate data is a snapshot, but it illustrates the challenge we face in Texas dealing with severe weather," said Catalina Palma, an Allstate agent in El Paso. "We know every year that we're going to see severe storms packing hail, wind and rain--we just don't know where. That's why it's critical to be prepared."

How can Texans protect their cars this storm season? Allstate has a few quick steps to help protect your car from spring storm damage.

  Before a Storm:
  --  Clean out your garage. Make sure there's room to cover your car.
  --  Remember where water rises and don't park there if heavy rains are in
      the forecast.

  Hit by Hail:
  --  Check your car for dents and broken glass.
  --  Carefully clean out glass from the car's interior to prevent cuts in
      the upholstery and fabric.
  --  If your windows are not shattered, wash dirt off your car before it is
      inspected by a claim representative. This will make it easier for the
      claim professional to see the damage.

  Following a Flood:
  --  Open windows and doors to air out your vehicle.
  --  Remove floor mats and other items on the vehicle's floor, to blot out
      excess water.
  --  Don't start a flooded vehicle--electrical damage to the car could
      create a dangerous situation.

Also, remember to take pictures of any damage and file your claim with your agent or insurance company as soon as possible.

The Allstate Corporation is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With AllstateŽ" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 AllstateŽ.