After record hail crop damage and claims last year, the 2014 season has been below average in reported damage so far this year. The last day for producers with state hail insurance to file a hail loss claim is October 1, 2014.

“This year has been fairly quiet compared to last year. We’ve had a few events around the state, but to date we are below average. The department wants to remind producers that if they experienced any hail damage and have coverage through the state, they should get their claim in as soon as possible,” said Walt Anseth, Rural Development Section Supervisor with the Montana Department of Agriculture.

As of September 1 with the possibility of more hail this season, there have been 321 claims filed with the department, down from 1,046 last year. Average losses for the state hail insurance program the last ten years total 539 claims with a 74% loss ratio, while this year’s loss ratio to date is 45%.

“It’s important for producers to remember that it is not the responsibility of your private carrier to inform the department of their hail loss. Hail loss claims need to be filed with the department by October 1, 2014,” said Anseth.

Source - http://www.roundupweb.com/