2016 Texas Hail Damage Exceeds $5 Billion

Texas experienced many significant weather and hail events during 2016, causing losses across the state that were comparable to those caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008.

Data recorded by the Texas Department of Insurance shows hailstorms cost property owners more than $5 billion in 2016, setting a new record in Texas. More than 500,000 claims were reported in connection with hail damage, which was double the amount reported in any previous year.

Auto losses due to wind and hail have also increased to record-breaking highs. Texans recorded $1.5 billion in weather-related automotive losses in 2016, which is a significant increase from almost $800 million in 2015.

Texans experienced 45 days of hailstorms across the state during April and May 2016, according to Mark Hanna, Manager of Public Relations and Membership for the Insurance Council of Texas. In addition, the most expensive storm of the year occurred in San Antonio on April 12, 2016, where policyholders faced $1.4 billion in insured losses.

While 2016 was both active and an expensive year, 2017 has not endured nearly as much loss. More remains to be seen as the year progresses.