USAA catastrophe response team deployed to help storm victims

Days after hail pounded southern Colorado many people are still cleaning up and filing insurance claims.

The USAA catastrophe response team was deployed to help.

Cyriel and Arlene Depestel arrived at the Colorado Springs airport Friday morning to find they were among the victims.

“We went out to the car and checked it over and sure enough, we got hit. It took out the windshield and front and rear tail lights,” Cyriel Depestel said.

They’re among thousands who went to USAA for help. The catastrophe response team works all over the United States and deploys to places where they’re need the most. They plan on staying in Colorado Springs for as long as help is needed.

“They can come here, make a claim, start the process and walk through any questions they might have about their auto or home insurance policy and move on from there,” said Rich Johnson, USAA spokesperson.

To date, 15,000 claims have been filed in Colorado Springs.

“It was very simple, they made it very easy [to file]. I was hesitant, I didn’t really know if I should do this or not. I expected hundreds of cars down here but it was good,” said Arlene Depestel.

If you haven’t filed a claim yet, there’s still time. USAA recommends taking photos of the damage and watching out for scammers.

“Watch out for fraudulent contractors and auto-body workers. Storms like this are ripe for that kind of environment. Work with your city and insurance or the BBB to get recommendations on auto body or contractors,” Johnson said.

The catastrophe response team is set up in the parking lot outside JC Penney’s on Powers Boulevard. They’ll be stationed there for as long as help is needed.