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Severe Weather:
The dark side of summer
by Bob Manor
10
When I think of spring and
summer, I think of sunshine,
backyard barbeques, bike
rides, and all the outdoor
activities I’ve been dreaming about all winter
long. However, as the Claims Manager at
WEA P&C, I am all too aware that warmer
weather also means the potential for severe
weather. Dangerous lightning, heavy rains,
high winds, and hail can cause property
damage.
Over the last couple of years, we’ve
experienced some crazy weather in Wisconsin,
and crazy weather can cost a pretty penny
for you and your insurance company.
Nationwide, the property and casualty (P&C)
insurance industry experienced record-setting
losses due to weather-related claims in 2010
and 2011. WEA P&C was no exception. We
have paid our member policyholders nearly
$5 million dollars for storm-related claims
during that same time period.
Such heavy losses have consequences for
both insurers and their customers. Inevitably,
it means homeowner rate increases for
customers—a trend that experts predict will
play out industry-wide as significant losses
were already reported on March 1 when a
system of tornadoes ravaged the Midwest
from Nebraska to Kentucky.
Keeping claims down is good for everyone.
And while we have no control over nature’s
Hail storms last an average of
six minutes; however, the cost
to property adds up to over a
billion dollars a year.
wrath, there are steps you can take to help
reduce losses due to storm damage.
Be aware of the weather
Keeping an eye on the sky (or the
Weather Channel) or an ear to your radio
may give you enough warning to prevent
loss. For example:
• Park your car in the garage or under
a canopy of trees. Good parking
practices can save you hundreds of
deductible dollars. And remember, a
deductible applies for each car.
• Store or secure patio furniture, grills,
and anything that could become a
flying missile in high winds. The cost
of replacing patio furniture is seldom
above the deductible, but it is one of
Tree removal. It’s covered.
Downed trees during severe weather is common and removal can be expensive.
WEA P&C homeowners insurance covers up to $1,500 for removal of downed
trees even due to windstorm. Most insurers have more limited coverage for tree
removal. If you’re with another company, compare your current coverage with us.
It’s simply better insurance. Call us for a quote 1-800-279-4010.
Property and casualty insurance programs are underwritten by WEA Property & Casualty
Insurance Company. The terms and conditions of your coverage are exclusively controlled by
your written policy. Please refer to your policy for details. Deductibles apply.
the most frequently damaged items in
summer storms.
• Unplug your computer and other
electronics during lightning storms
or if you are leaving for a vacation.
A surge protector is no match for a
lightning strike.
More tips for preventing loss due
to severe weather can be found at
weabenefits.com/stormyweather.
Weather-related events
affect a lot of people
If you do suffer from a storm loss, we
are here to help you. Keep in mind that
damaging storms affect many people at
one time. This means resources (people
and materials) are stretched thin and can
sometimes cause delays in service— whether
it is the insurance adjuster, the tree removal
company, the electric company who turns
your power back on, or the contractor who
repairs your house. It helps to be patient.
Likewise, if you call us with a weatherrelated
claim, there are probably many
members calling with a similar claim. Our
claims department has a customer service
satisfaction rate above 95%, and we will do
everything we can maintain the high level
of service you expect.
weabenefits.com