Gusts Blow in Colorado’s 4th Most Expensive Windstorm, Damage Estimated at $7M

Some Colorado residents spent the New Year making repairs and calling their insurance companies after strong winds pounded the Front Range, Colorado Springs, the Eastern Plains and Southern Wyoming on Dec. 30, 2008. A collision of a high and a low pressure system over the Rocky Mountains produced wind gusts of up to 98 mph along the Front Range, ripping off shingles, tree branches and toppling Christmas lawn decorations. The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association estimates the damage from the windstorm at approximately $7 million from the nearly 2,500 homeowner and car insurance claims filed so far. While there was some major damage reported, most of the claims appear to be from more minor losses to roofs, fences and vehicles.

“The higher price tag of [the] storm is due to the widespread damage resulting in a large number of smaller claims,” said Carole Walker, RMIIA executive director. “Colorado windstorms don’t typically cause expensive insured damage. That’s why homeowners should weigh whether minor maintenance damage to a few shingles or a fence even meets their out-of-pocket deductible.” However, homeowners who need to file claims should make temporary repairs and call their insurance company as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

According to RMIIA, Colorado’s top five most costly windstorms are:
-$20 million in insured damage occurred along the Front Range on April 8-10, 1999.

-$20 million in insured damage occurred in Boulder County on Jan. 17, 1982.

-$10 million in insured damage occurred along the Front Range on Jan. 28-29, 1987.

-$7 million in insured damage occurred along the Front Range, Colorado Springs, Eastern Plains on December 30, 2008.

-$5.2 million in insured damage occurred along the Front Range on Oct. 29, 1996.

-$3 million in insured damage occurred along the Front Range on Feb. 2-3, 1999.

RMIIA has claims filing information on its Web site at: www.rmiia.org.

Source: Associated Press, RMIIA