State Farm said last week's tornadoes that killed 20 in Florida will cost the company more than $20 million, according to early loss estimates.

Early loss estimates for homeowners and automobile claims could range between $20- and $24 million, with less than $1 million of that in automobile claims, said Chris Neal, a company spokesman in Florida.

He stressed that these were estimates, but there was comfort with the numbers.

The Bloomington, Ill.-based insurer--the second largest insurer in the state after Citizen's, the state insurer of last resort--has paid out over $1 million in homeowners insurance, additional living expense and related coverage in the first few days after the event, said Mr. Neal.

"With the coverage, there are no issues involved," said Mr. Neal, unlike hurricanes where water and flooding are involved. "A tornado is a covered event."

As of yesterday morning the company had received 408 homeowners claims. Between 30- and 40 percent of those claims were total losses--a significant figure, he said.

"We responded very quickly to this," said Mr. Neal, noting that agents have reached out to customers if they were in the affected areas.

State Farm anticipates having all the current claims inspected this week, and it only expects a few minor claims to be filed during the week, he said.

Unlike a hurricane, where there is widespread destruction, with a tornado the damage is limited and resources are easily obtainable outside of the affected area, Mr. Neal noted. He said this helped the company deal with the situation quickly.

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, based in Tallahassee, Fla., the state's residual market for windstorm property insurance, said today it has received 200 claims so far and expects to receive 400 to 500 claims.

The insurer has had difficulty getting into some areas to contact customers, and in a statement, Tim Loftin, senior vice president of claims, said Citizens is making every effort to get to customers if has not heard from.

"We know we still have a number of heavily damaged homes where claims have not yet been filed," he said.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Adelaide "Alex" Sink said mobile consumer locations remain open for consumers to ask questions, check on the license of a public adjuster, or file complaints in the aftermath of the tornadoes.

Special Reports /

State Farm Sees $20M-Plus From Fla. Tornadoes

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