Regina hailstorm damage nears $80 million, thousands of claims filed

Regina, Saskatchewan, is grappling with the aftermath of a powerful hailstorm that struck on June 9, with preliminary damage estimates from the event already approaching $80 million. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), the province's public insurer, has received a surge of claims, including over 10,000 for vehicles and 800 for properties.

“

We are 10 days post-storm. It was a very significant event.

Nikki Kluk, SGI's director of Saskatchewan auto operations, described the storm as a "very significant event." The sheer volume of claims is putting pressure on the insurance system, prompting SGI to bring in additional staff, extend working hours, and hold appraisal blitzes over several weekends to expedite the claims process.

“

At 10,000 claims and more than 800 property claims, we expect the cost to be significant.

Justin Fitzgerald, SGI's director of appraisal operations for southern Saskatchewan, noted that the damage is "definitely higher than typical." He attributed the high number of claims partly to the storm hitting a densely populated area of Regina. The damages reported include hail impacts, wind damage, and fallen trees, with many properties experiencing damage to exterior materials like shingles and roofing.

“

The damage is definitely higher than typical.

Despite the significant impact, SGI states it is prepared to handle such events. The insurer has scheduled multiple weekend appraisal events to manage the backlog and is advising customers with unsafe vehicles to proceed with repairs and keep receipts. While many treed neighborhoods may have offered some protection to homes, the overall cost of the storm is expected to be substantial.

“

We have seen all types of damages, from hail, to wind damage and trees falling.