ICT: Hailstorm caused $200M in losses

April 26-- Apr. 26--The Insurance Council of Texas is estimating about $200 million in insured losses due to the recent hail storm in Midland County.

"Damaged vehicle claims continue to pour in above projected figures and the severity of the damage to both autos and homes has also risen," ICT spokesperson Mark Hanna said in an email Friday.

The estimate was raised from $100 million to $200 million in insured losses, he said.

CBS7 reported some residents saw golf ball and baseball-sized hail pummel through their vehicle windows and onto their homes.

"There are going to be thousands of vehicle owners anxious to get their cars and trucks repaired. The wait for repairs at local body shops may be long," Hanna said. "For homeowners, please avoid building contractors who are going door to door and calling to assist. You have no idea who these people are, the quality of their work, the quality of their material, their workmanship guarantees and whether they will return the next day."

Hanna advised residents to contact local building contractors who have built good reputations on the quality of their work.

Ector County and City of Odessa officials did not report any storm-related hail damage after the Tuesday storms swept through West Texas.

The ICT offered the following tips for Midland County residents:

AFTER THE STORM

* Inspect your property for damage.

* Document the damage with photos or video.

* Contact your insurance agent/company as soon as possible to report a claim.

* Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.

* Avoid fraudulent contractors, roofers, and unlicensed public adjusters.

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

* Ask family and friends for recommendations.

* Be wary of door-to-door solicitors.

* Get multiple written estimates.

* Don't pay up front. Inspect the completed work before payment.

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