Bell and Smith Top Allstate's Stormiest Counties List

IRVING, Texas, April 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas storms affected more Allstate insured homes and cars in Bell county than any other part of the state over the past five years, while Smith county saw the highest frequency of lightning. Allstate tallied the top 25 Texas counties affected by severe weather; identifying areas with highest frequencies of wind and hail, and lightning related homeowner property damage claims from 2010 through 2014. 

Homes aren't the only thing that can be damaged in a storm. Bell County also topped the list for the highest frequency of auto comprehensive claims caused by nature related perils (Windstorm, Hail or Flood) over the past five years. Allstate tallied the top 25 counties affected by severe weather, identifying areas with highest frequencies of wind, hail and flood related auto comprehensive claims from 2010 through 2014. 

Rankings
Bell, Dallas and Denton counties top the list for the frequency of wind and hail homeowner property claims over the past five years; while Smith, Jefferson and Montgomery saw the highest frequency of lightning claims.

Bell and Dallas also top the list for frequency in auto comprehensive claims caused by wind, hail or flood damage. Counties with the highest frequency of claims range from north, south, east and western parts of the state; demonstrating few areas in Texas are safe from severe weather. 

"It's important for families to take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings for severe weather events, "said Jason Jones, an Allstate agent in East Texas. "Texans are exposed to more types of natural disasters than any other state.**"

How can Texans be prepared for natural disasters? Allstate recommends a few steps:

Before the Storm:    

• Clean Out Your Garage and Yard: Take steps to reduce risks of damage to your property like having a spot for your car during a hail storm and removing dying tree limbs and outside furniture that can go airborne during a wind storm.
• Make a Plan: Create a safety plan with your family and know the prepared areas to take shelter in case of a tornado. Visit emergency management government Web sites to help you come up with a plan before a catastrophe.
• Take Stock of Your Stuff: Walk through your home with a video or still camera to create a record of what you have and where it is in your house. You can also download an App like Allstate's Digital Locker (TM) to help create an inventory.
• Call Your Insurer:  Locate your current insurance information and reach out to your insurer for a yearly coverage check-up. Review your policy with your agent to make sure your coverages meet your current needs.

In the unfortunate event of a storm, Allstate recommends the following tips to help customers begin the recovery process.

Storm Recovery:

• Make Temporary Repairs: Make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Save the receipts for temporary home repairs as these expenses may be reimbursed as part of your homeowner's policy. Your adjuster will need this information.
• Document Damages: Inventory your home and list damaged items before your adjuster arrives.  An inventory can help facilitate the claim process after a disaster.
• Research Contractors: Be wary of contractors who solicit door-to-door. Work only with licensed, bonded and insured contractors and have them provide you with documentation. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against contractors you are considering.

About the Data
* To collect the data, Allstate measured the frequency of hail, wind and lightning homeowner property claims from 2010- 2014 to tally the top 25 counties, which all had at least 3,500 Allstate policies.  Allstate also measured the frequency of nature related peril (wind, hail or flood) auto comprehensive claims from 2010-2014 to tally the top 25 counties, which all had at least 3,500 Allstate policies.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life's uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Allstate is widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate^®." The Allstate brand's network of small businesses offers auto, home, life and retirement products and services to customers in the United States and Canada. In 2014, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $34 million to support local communities. Allstate employees and agency owners donated 200,000 hours of service across the country.

** See US Weather Map: http://tcais.org/key-issues/texas-weather-losses/

SOURCE Allstate Corporation