Weather alerts from Nationwide: Protect your farm customers from extreme hail and wind damage

For independent insurance agents working with farmers, severe weather poses an ongoing challenge your clients are all too familiar with. From powerful winds to devastating hail, these weather events can wreak havoc on property, equipment and livelihoods, creating substantial financial strain and emotional stress.  

By staying informed and proactive, you can guide your farm customers toward effective strategies for safeguarding their operations from inclement weather, while showcasing your expertise as a trusted insurance advisor. 

The growing impact of hail and wind

Weather’s unpredictability is a constant in the agricultural world, but its effects are becoming more costly.  

• According to Nationwide claims data, wind and hail alone account for approximately 35% of all farm-related damages yearly.  

• The financial strain adds up rapidly, as the cost to repair hail-damaged insured vehicles has risen sharply, from a median of $3,454 in 2020 to $4,960 in 2024.  

• Even more concerning, the percentage of farm vehicles deemed total losses or rendered undrivable has grown from 12.6% in 2020 to 17% by 2025¹ 

These losses also extend to farm structures including grain bins, machine sheds, outbuildings, and equipment like tractors, combines, planters, and loaders that are subject to weather conditions. The rising trend in weather related losses emphasizes the need for agents to act as educators and advocates, encouraging their clients to take preventive steps and secure comprehensive coverage. 

Where and when do hail and wind damage occur?

Understanding patterns of wind and hail activity by region and season gives your clients a clearer picture of their risk level.  

High-risk areas for wind damage

According to Nationwide’s claims data, the top states in Nationwide’s book of business with wind damage to farms included Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Arkansas, Nebraska¹. The United States experiences a wide range of high wind events driven by distinct meteorological patterns. The highest annual average wind speeds are found across the High Plains, stretching from eastern New Mexico through the Texas/Oklahoma panhandles and northward into the Dakotas. East of the Rockies, severe thunderstorms—especially from spring through early fall—bring intense wind gusts, with May through July being peak months for Derechos. These are large, organized thunderstorm complexes capable of producing widespread damaging winds. Additionally, coastal regions along the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and occasionally the Northeast face powerful winds from land-falling hurricanes, with the strongest storms (Category 3 or higher) generating gusts exceeding 150 mph.² 

Hail damage hotspots

The highest likelihood of hail in the United States occurs between the Rockies and Appalachians from mid-March to mid-August. The central United States is particularly prone to hailstorms due to a convergence of atmospheric conditions that foster their development across several regions l². From the high plains of eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, and eastern Wyoming—often referred to as “Hail Alley”—to the expansive Great Plains and parts of the Midwest, frequent and intense hail events are common. These areas experience a unique blend of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and significant levels of atmospheric wind shear, creating ideal conditions for severe thunderstorms and formation of hail². These same weather systems frequently affect livestock shelters, crops, and equipment vital to farm operations.

Steps farmers can take to reduce risks

Providing clear, actionable advice helps farmers take control and mitigate potential losses. Offer your customers these tried-and-true strategies: 

1. Safeguard structures and secure equipment: Suggest investing in storm-rated roofing materials for structures like machine sheds and barns. Remind clients to secure loose items and store vehicles and important equipment indoors when storms are predicted.  
2. Conduct routine inspections: Encourage regular inspections to maintain the integrity of grain bins, fencing or outbuildings. Early detection of vulnerabilities can prevent structural failure during severe weather events. 
3. Ensure proper insurance coverage: Highlight the importance of reviewing policy details to ensure adequate protection for property and equipment. 
4. Document and photograph assets: Advising customers to document all major assets through descriptions and photos ensures smoother claim processes if damage occurs. 
5. Register for weather alerts: Encourage your Nationwide farm customers to sign up for real-time hail and wind alerts to help them prepare for sudden atmospheric changes. 

Introducing weather alerts from Nationwide

Nationwide has partnered with a third party to alert Farm customers when inclement weather is forecast. Customers can sign up for up to 5 addresses. This feature provides timely text notifications, helping farm customers prepare and protect their property before severe weather strikes in any of these 5 locations. These alerts keep policyholders informed about upcoming weather in their area, allowing them to take preventative measures. Here are immediate actions that Farm customers can take after they receive a weather alert from Nationwide:  

Shelter

• Advise all farm employees to take shelter in a safe, secure location. 

• Protect livestock from the elements by moving them to a sheltered area. 

• Move machinery and equipment under shelter to minimize damage. 

• Park vehicles in a garage or under shelter to protect them from hail and wind damage. 

Secure

• Any items that could be damaged or become hazardous in high winds. 

• Close any exterior doors and windows to minimize the risk of damage. 

By using this tool, you can offer personalized service, demonstrate your commitment to client well-being and position yourself as a trusted resource during unexpected events. Integrating this feature into your client management process can help strengthen relationships and improve retention as clients value the added support.