Damage from Airdrie hailstorms exceeds $25M

Hail blanketed lawns and driveways across southern Alberta last week.

A pair of hailstorms that hit Airdrie last week have been classified as a catastrophe by the Insurance Bureau of Canada and damage is expected to be over $25M.

“Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) fully appreciates the significant toll these types of severe weather events can have on families and communities. While it is too early to provide an estimate of the damage caused by the Airdrie hail storm, we understand that Property Claim Services (PCS) is surveying insured damages and will provide a preliminary estimate soon.” said Celyeste Power, from the IBC.

Last Thursday, the city north of Calgary, was hit with a thunderstorm that produced hail stones as large as golf balls in some areas.

The hail punched holes in the siding, eaves and windows of homes in the city and dented and smashed windows and lights on vehicles.

On Friday, another thunderstorm swept through the area also bringing heavy winds and hail.

Residents are still cleaning up from both storms and auto body shops in the area say it will be months before they can deal with the backlog of damaged vehicles.

The IBC says hail season in Alberta typically runs from June through to September and says vehicle and homeowners should check policies to ensure they are up-to-date and cover their needs.

“It’s a fact that the frequency, severity and cost of severe weather are on the rise all across Canada,” says Bill Adams, IBC Vice-President, Western and Pacific. “We’re certainly seeing this in Alberta and the Prairie provinces where homes are being damaged more frequently by hail, heavy rainfall and strong winds, which makes it critical for people to know how to protect themselves and their property.”

The IBC says severe storms in Alberta resulted in more than $700 million in insured losses in 2012 and in 2011, storms and hail accounted for another $380 million in insured losses.

IBC tips for starting the claims process

For more information call IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-877-772-6378 (in Alberta) or visit www.ibc.ca.