General Casualty to Pay $5 Million in Wisc. Tornado Claims

General Casualty Cos. said today it expects to pay out about $5 million in losses on the nearly 60 claims that have been filed as a result of tornados last Thursday in southeastern Wisconsin.

More than 30 of the claims are for damaged homes, with most of them located in the Stoughton area in Dane County. Four of the homes have been classified as total losses. The remaining claims involve damaged automobiles, boats and a few minor business property losses.

General Casualty, a privately held firm based in Sun Prairie, Wisc., said it already has paid a number of policyholders for immediate living expenses and to replace damaged items and begin repair efforts. Many claims also have been settled, the insurer said.

Twenty-six tornadoes touched down in Wisconsin on Aug. 18, setting a one-day record.

The storms damaged about 380 homes throughout Dane, Lafayette, Richland and Sauk counties. Officials estimated that the storms caused $21 million in damage.

General Casualty policyholders who have not yet filed claims should notify their insurance or telephone the company at 888-737-8256.