State Farm: Illinois generated most wind and hail claims in 2010

Chicago is called the Windy City for a reason.

In 2010, State Farm handled more claims for wind and hail damage from Illinois than any other state. The average cost of the 44,000 claims in Illinois was $8,150, State Farm says.

Behind Illinois was Texas, with 36,000 claims for wind and hail damage, State Farm says. The average cost per claim in the Lone Star State was $9,427.

Other states where State Farm saw large numbers of claims for wind and hail damage in 2010 were:

• Georgia — 23,000 claims, with an average cost per claim of $6,362.

• Oklahoma — 21,000 claims, with an average cost per claim of $13,893.

• Ohio — 20,000 claims, with an average cost per claim of $8,571.

Hail and wind damage frequently occurs in the Great Plains and the Midwest, but every state is susceptible, according to State Farm.

State Farm offers these tips for heading off or responding to hail damage:

• If weather conditions are ripe for hailstorms, pull cars, boats, RVs, lawn furniture and patio furniture into covered areas.

• When building or remodeling, consider impact-resistant roofing to reduce hail damage to your home.

• If your roof is damaged by hail, hire a reputable roofing contractor to fix it. Look for a licensed or bonded roofer and request references. Not all jurisdictions require licensing of roofing contractors, however.