Below Normal Hail Claims in Canada

SASKATOON - Jul 3/09 - SNS -- Hail claims in western Canada are running behind normal for this time of year, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

"Hailstorm activity has been isolated and the storms to date have not been large." the association said. "Having crops behind normal development in most areas has also limited any damage."

The association says producers who intend to purchase hail insurance are urged to act sooner rather than later. If producers experience even a light hailstorm, they are not usually able to buy insurance afterwards.

Producers who are going to be away for part of the summer may want to appoint a Power of Attorney who can look after a potential hail claim in their absence. Typically, producers need to file a claim within 72 hours of the loss.

Drought is the main concern in Alberta. Hailstorm activity has been very light. Up until Canada Day, the companies selling hail insurance in Alberta report a total of only 28 claims. (This does not include hail claims filed as part of Crop Insurance coverage.)

At this time last year, there had been nearly 400 claims filed in Alberta. That was considered about average.

The claims this year have come from storms from June 15 to 18. Drumheller, Lomond, Iron Springs, Penhold and Red Deer are the main areas affected.

With drought conditions in a large portion of Alberta, companies are reporting that less hail insurance is being purchased by producers.

Approximately 300 hail claims have been filed to date in Saskatchewan. This is well below average. Most of the claims have come from isolated thunderstorms that have had small streaks of hail. Last year at this time, roughly 1,000 hail claims had been filed.

There are scattered hail claims in many regions all the way from the southeastern corner to the northwestern corner of the grain belt. However, there isn't extensive damage in any one area.

Most of the companies providing hail insurance report sales are down from last year's record levels. There has been a reduction in business in the dry West Central and North West regions of the province.

Approximately 220 hail claims have been filed in Manitoba. Last year at this time nearly 400 claims had been filed and that was considered about average.

There haven't been any severe storms in Manitoba yet. Most of the claims to date are coming from the south end of the province near Waskada, Deloraine, Boissevain, Crystal City and Manitou. There are also some claims from the Brandon and Hamiota areas. Most of the claims are the result of storms on the weekend of June 26 to 28.

Sales have picked up in the last two weeks and numbers now appear to be on pace with other years.