Credit: Jozef Jankola/Adobe Stock
With the highest likelihood of hail occurring between the Rockies and Appalachians from mid-March to mid-August, Nationwide wants to text its members before potential storms so they can move their cars to a covered location.
Customers will be notified up to 30 minutes before a storm producing hail greater than one inch.
“Text messaging is a very direct way for us to reach our members with timely targeted alerts ahead of large hail events,” said Jeff Rommel, senior vice president, personal lines operations for Nationwide. “It’s a communication method many customers prefer, making it an effective way to quickly connect and help them to take proactive steps to protect what matters most.”
Hailstones range in size from small pellets to baseball-sized chunks, and according to Nationwide claims data, the cost of repairing hail-damaged cars ranges from $3,000 to $13,000, excluding total losses. Meanwhile, 20% of Nationwide-insured cars damaged by hail are declared a total loss and taken off the road after a hail event.
The following regions are hail hotspots in the U.S.
- Hail Alley: This region, stretching across parts of eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, and eastern Wyoming, is notorious for its frequent and severe hailstorms. Cities like Cheyenne, Denver, and Colorado Springs often experience multiple hailstorms each year.
- The Great Plains: States like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska experience a high number of hailstorms annually. A favorable overlap of specific atmospheric conditions in this region often creates an ideal scenario for hail. Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita, Kansas City, and Omaha are particularly vulnerable.
- The Midwest: Areas such as Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois also see significant hail activity. The varied weather patterns and frequent thunderstorms in cities like St. Louis, Des Moines, and Chicago contribute to the prevalence of hailstorms.
Moving forward, Nationwide members can take a proactive ‘predict and prevent’ approach, Rommel said. “Having time to take a few basic precautions ahead of a hailstorm can go a long way in staying safe and preventing damage.”
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