U.S. severe convective storm (SCS) losses — the category covering tornadoes, large hail, and damaging straight-line winds — reached an estimated $22 billion by June 18, 2026, according to reinsurance broker Gallagher Re. That keeps the U.S. on pace for its 11th consecutive year with SCS losses above $20 billion.
Notably, this year's first-half total is actually below both the five-year average of $38 billion and the ten-year average of $30 billion for the same period — a reminder that "billions in losses" and "a bad year by historical standards" aren't always the same thing. Even a below-average storm season now routinely produces damage in the tens of billions, reflecting how much more expensive homes, vehicles, and construction have become to repair, not just how severe the storms themselves are.
For homeowners and drivers, severe convective storms are one of the more universally relevant risks in the country — unlike hurricanes or wildfires, damaging hail and wind events touch nearly every state. Comprehensive auto coverage (which pays for hail and wind damage to a vehicle, unlike collision coverage) and adequate dwelling and roof coverage on a homeowners policy are the two lines most directly exposed.
Curious whether your own auto policy would actually respond to a hailstorm? Our Comprehensive Coverage glossary entry covers exactly what is and isn't included.
- PropertyCasualty360, June SCS outbreak could be one of 2026's costliest insurance events