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August 6, 2008

Edouard insurance claims minimal

By Sherry Koonce





By Sherry Koonce

The News staff writer

A day after Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall between Sabine Pass and High Island, the number of claims trickling into local insurance offices reflect minimal property damage brought by the storm.

“We received zero calls today related to storm damage. Somebody turned in one yesterday, but that was it,” said Craig Rankin, office manager at Allstate Insurance Company’s office at 8787 Ninth Ave. in Port Arthur.

Rankin said one of the company’s policy holders called Tuesday to report a neighbor’s carport had fallen onto his roof, he said.

A few others stopping by to make insurance payments complained of small debris in their yards, but nothing large enough to file on insurance.

Jerry Burnett, agent/owner of the Jerry Burnett Farmers Insurance Agency at 3202 39th St., in Port Arthur, said his office had received one storm-related claim.

Typically, after a strong storm, homeowners’ number one claim is for roof repairs followed by water damage and downed trees and/or fences.

On Monday, Burnett said, the office was flooded with last-minute calls from people inquiring about wind coverage, but it was too late.

“When this storm popped up Sunday morning, we could not write anything,” he said.

The time to purchase windstorm coverage is when there is no storm brewing, not after one has formed.

Since Rita struck the Texas coast in 2005, the majority of insurance companies selling homeowners’ policies have opted out of offering wind damage coverage. That is now written through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, and available from any licensed insurance agent in the state.

Burnett said people should purchase windstorm coverage soon enough to allow the windstorm office in Austin ample time to bind the policy.

Dale Satcher, an agent with the Farm Bureau Insurance Mid-County branch office at 3501 Turtle Creek Drive, Port Arthur, said his office received one call Wednesday — a tree blown over onto a garage.

While he did not expect to have many property damage claims, Satcher said he did anticipate more people calling with questions.

The storm damage was so minimal that few had questions.

But, it could have been much worse, Satcher said.

He advised people to sit down with an agent at least every two years to review coverage —especially since Texas has been inundated with tropical storms and hurricanes during the past few years.

“Because of the number of claims, the cost of building has gone up. People should make sure they have their homes adequately insured,” he said.

Contact this reporter at skoonce@panews.com.

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