Thousands file insurance claims after severe weather

PEORIA (25News Now) – Nearly 3,000 State Farm policyholders filed insurance claims after hail, winds and tornadoes this past weekend.

Viewers sent 25News photos and videos of cracked, shattered, and destroyed vehicle windshields.

Reliant Auto Glass said phone lines are swamped with callers needing windshield repairs, but claimed it’s a tall task to get to all their customers in a timely fashion.

“The hardest part is probably trying to schedule and fit everybody in,” said Owner Aaron Boehme. “I would say we’ve probably seen an increase of 30 to 40 extra windshields already.”

But vehicles aren’t the only insured property central Illinois residents are submitting claims for. Homes were also hit hard, especially roofing and siding.

Prairie Home Alliance said there are scammers that take advantage of those affected by storm damage, and they often move quickly into communities.

“We’ve had plenty of instances where people would come home and see people already up on their roof saying, claiming they’re looking for hail damage,” said Sales Representative Steve Jackson. “To me, those are red flags. Other red flags would be them asking you to sign anything.”

State Farm also said policyholders have up to a year to file a claim for storm damage, in most cases. However, they encourage submitting claims as soon as able.

“25News reached out to the attorney general’s office about how to know if you may be scammed. They said it’s mostly in door-to-door or personal calls, with many of them offering quick, “free” inspections.

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