Over 12,000 claims have been filed totaling more than $107 million from Winter Storm Fern’s tear in Mississippi, the state’s insurance department announced Thursday.
“I have instructed companies throughout the state to participate in a data call. Results have started coming in, showing just how many properties and homeowners were impacted,” Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said. “I expect that number to continue to climb as reporting continues.”
According to the numbers provided by the Mississippi Insurance Department, a majority of claims so far have been for residential property – more than 10,000. Of the over 12,000 claims filed, 55% have been closed and more than $60 million has already been paid.
Chaney is urging residents who have not filed claims but received damage during the late-January storm to do so as soon as possible by gathering their policy information and promptly notifying their provider. He encourages homeowners to document damage with photos or videos, make temporary repairs to prevent further issues, keep receipts, and avoid permanent repairs until an adjuster has inspected the property.
The total financial impact of Winter Storm Fern has not yet been released, as the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency continues conducting damage assessments. The storm claimed 29 lives and left roughly 180,000 residents and businesses without power, although power has largely been restored across the state.