The six tornadoes that touched down in Georgia Tuesday – five of which hit metro Atlanta – led to thousands of insurance claims and estimated insured losses as high as $6 million, state officials said.
“That figure may rise as new claims are reported,” Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said in a news release Monday. “Six tornadoes touched down in Georgia that day, causing trees to be downed and damaging homes and automobiles.”
As part of the line of storms that came through the state on Tuesday, metro Atlanta saw two EF-1 tornadoes and three EF-0 tornadoes. The state's sixth tornado, believed to be no stronger than an EF-1, caused some damage in Meriwether and Talbot counties.
As part of the Enhanced Fujita scale, or EF scale, a tornado with wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph are typically rated at EF-0, while an EF-1 usually indicates speeds of 86 to 110 mph.
Those who saw their property damaged in Tuesday’s storms should take these steps suggested by the insurance commissioner’s office:
* Contact your insurance agent immediately if you have had damage to either your house or car. Your agent should provide you with claims forms and arrange for an insurance adjuster to visit your property or look at your automobile.
* Hail damage to your vehicle is typically covered by the comprehensive/collision portion of your automobile insurance policy, while hail damage to your home is covered by your homeowner’s policy.
* Secure your property. Roof damage, for example, should be covered with a tarp or plywood to protect property from further damage. Keep receipts of materials used for repairs so your insurance company can reimburse you for repair costs.
Georgians with questions about filing a claim or with difficulties reaching their insurance company can call the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Consumer Helpline at 404-656-2070 or 1-800-656-2298 outside the metro area. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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