July historic hailstorm: One of the worst in state history
It’s still easy to spot damage from the historic July hailstorm that smashed windshields, shredded siding and tore roofs apart in Colorado Springs.
The storm is now considered one of the most damaging events in Colorado history.
Although it’s over, it still haunts neighborhoods in Colorado Springs.
“I got hit by at least three large golf-ball-sized hailstones. They left big welts,” said Curtis Sehon, who lives in the Stetson Hills neighborhood.
Cars with smashed windows can be spotted around every corner in the Cimaron Hills neighborhood.
“It kind of looks like a rundown neighborhood, like there’s a lot of crime and you wouldn’t want to come here, but that’s not true. Our neighborhood is beautiful.” said Amy Yeomans.
The hailstorm triggered more than $350 million in claims for damage to both homes and vehicles.
“The estimators are just now getting out here, but it may not be until November until they can fix it. The waiting game is stressful,” said Yeomans.
But not everyone feels that their insurance company has their back.
“USAA is doubting my claim. They’re hinting that there was prior damage to the car,” said Sehon.
Sehon says he has $8,000 worth of hail damage to his car, but he’s getting the feeling that his insurance company doesn’t believe him.
“They also hinted that I may have added additional damage to the car to embelish the claim. My honesty and my integrity are at stake and I’ve been a loyal customer for 17 years,” said Sehon.
The cost of the hail disaster is second only to that of the Waldo Canyon Fire. Sehon said that’s exactly why he’s worried.
“The damage was so overwhelming that the companies will have to pay a lot of money. They’re trying to limit their damages,” said Sehon.
While the damage is done, the fight to fix it is only beginning for many in southern Colo[rado.
The storm is now considered to be the state’s fourth most expensive hailstorm ever.
It resulted in more than 51,000 car insurance claims and over 33,000 property insurance claims.
