Hail Claims Diminish

SASKATOON - Sep 6/07 - SNS -- Hail claims diminished between August 21 and September 4, especially in Saskatchewan, reports the Canadian Crop Hail Association. But, the total number of claims combined with what appears to be a higher than normal loss per claim will make this a year of high payouts for crop damage.

Hail claims in Saskatchewan are approaching 13,000, but there has been only a small increase from the number two weeks ago. As well, most of the additional claims are for storms that occurred before August 21. Storm activity was very light from August 21 to September 4.

While still a bit above the five-year average, the total number of claims in Saskatchewan is within normal expectations. However, early indications are that the loss per claim will make this a heavy year for payouts.

The slowdown in new claims has enabled adjusters to make good progress, thus reducing the wait time for producers in most instances. Producers are reminded to leave proper check strips if harvesting crops before they can be adjusted.

Manitoba had only one significant storm between August 21 and September 4. That storm hit the Altona area on August 26 creating light to moderate damage. Most of the cereal crops and canola in that area had already been harvested. The damage was mainly on special crops such as beans, corn and sunflowers.

There were a few other claims scattered around the province with generally light damage. Hail claims in Manitoba now total about 4,800, an increase from the nearly 4,400 two weeks ago. The number of claims for the province remains above average, but in most cases adjusters are nearly caught up.

Alberta was the most active of the three provinces for claims over the past two weeks. The total number for all the companies doing business in Alberta is now about 3,500. These are the claims for hail insurance over and above crop insurance endorsements.

Severe storms hit the Falher area on August 25 and an area east of Lethbridge on August 26.

With many new claims, adjusters are in many cases still behind schedule. Producers are asked to leave proper check strips when harvesting crops before an adjuster can arrive.