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Hail As Big As Your Hand

State Farm® Ready For 2011 Storm Season--Are You?

Bloomington, Ill, March 22, 2011 — Wind and hail storms remain some of the most frequent and severe causes of property damage.

Damage caused by wind and hail cost State Farm® and its policyholders more than $3.2 billion in 2010.

While hail storms most frequently impact the Great Plains and Midwest, every state in the nation is susceptible. See how your state compares to others when it comes to wind/hail and most common insurance claims.

Several states have approved or are considering legislation designed to protect property owners when they contract for roof repairs. State Farm is working to help homeowners minimize damage when a hail loss occurs through support of this legislation and consumer education.

In addition, State Farm currently offers insurance premium discounts to homes with qualifying impact-resistant roofing products in 26 states and one Canadian province. There are areas of the nation's hail belt where homes have been reshingled two and three times during a 10-year period. Impact resistant roofing can save consumers time and expense by limiting damage. Homeowners not only save money through discounts, but they also reduce the hassle of recovering from storm damage. That helps insurers keep premiums as low as possible for customers.

Heading Off Hail Damage

• If weather conditions are prime for hail storms, pull cars, boats, RVs, lawn and patio furniture into a covered area.
• When building or remodeling, consider impact resistant roofing to reduce hail damage to your home.

If You Experience Hail Damage

• Work with your insurance agent or claims adjustor to fully understand the claims process and how covered repairs will be handled.
• Choose a reputable roofing contractor. Look for an estimated, licensed or bonded roofer and request references. Not all jurisdictions require licensing of roofing contractors. Ask to see certificates of insurance to be sure both liability and workers compensation insurance coverage is carried, and are in force during the time the roofing work is being done.
• You may also contact your local Better Business Bureau or the National Roofing Contractors Association for assistance in locating a professional contractor in a specific geographic area.
• If anyone visits your home without an appointment and professes to represent your insurer, or to be there at the request of your insurer, ask for identification and contact your insurer to confirm before allowing access.
• State Farm customers who have reported a loss can expect to be contacted by a claim representative who will review your policy and explain your coverage, outline the claim process, discuss options for damage repair, and answer questions.

Contact

Kim Lust, Public Affairs Specialists, (740) 364-5484

About State Farm®

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. Our 17,800 agents and more than 66,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®