The ice storm that hit Omaha has left a trail of extensive damage on cars, with car shops like Jody’s Collision Repair seeing a surge in business. Neighbor Tyson Garst shares the harrowing experience of his son’s parked car getting hit during the storm. Jody’s Collision Repair has been extremely busy since the storm struck.

Insurance Tips for Storm Victims

Insurance plays a crucial role in such situations. Jaffery Insurance founder and CEO Cyrus Jaffery offers valuable tips on keeping rates down. He emphasizes that while clients should file claims, it's important to consider the size of the claim. "We encourage clients to put those claims in, let us get you handled. But maybe the little claims, potentially not the big storms, but little claims, maybe it’s under your deductible or maybe a $500 more and then your deductible or something," said Jaffery. It's essential to leave insurance for major events like the ice storm and avoid small claims that can have a negative impact on premiums.

Impact on Car Shops

Shop manager Josh Finley reports that the shop started getting calls as early as Friday and many of the cars brought in for repair will require expensive fixes. "It almost seemed like they picked up speed when they were sliding," said Finley. The extent of the damage is evident in the cars that have come through the shop. With hundreds of cars having suffered damage, the demand for collision repair services has skyrocketed.

Personal Stories of Storm Damage

Tyson Garst's story is a prime example of the chaos caused by the ice storm. "We were very stressed. We were amped probably, one o'clock in the morning still trying to get sleep. The tow truck drivers, we were trying to arrange everything and they still couldn't get anybody because it was so icy and dangerous," said Garst. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the incident left a lasting impact. The sight of the car sliding and hitting his son's parked Honda Civic is a vivid reminder of the storm's power.

Importance of Filing Claims

Whether you're the one who hit a car, got hit, or had your parked car slide down a hill and get damaged, it's crucial to file a claim right away. Finley and Jaffery stress the significance of this. "If you have any damage to your car from the storm, both Finley and Jaffery say it is important you file a claim right away," they emphasize. Delaying the claim process can lead to complications and may affect the insurance coverage.