Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance reports over $2.9 billion in claims paid statewide one year following catastrophic 2025 severe weather season

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - One year after the catastrophic events of the 2025 severe weather season - including the tragic May 16 tornado in St. Louis - the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance continues to closely monitor the insurance industry's ongoing response and support consumers still navigating the claims process.

"Disaster recovery is long, layered and challenging, and we fully empathize with the dire circumstances that many individuals and families have faced and the difficult path that remains," DCI Director Angela Nelson said. "The DCI team has worked vigorously to ensure St. Louisans and all Missourians impacted by the devastating storms last year have the full benefit of the insurance coverage they have purchased."

To quantify the immense scale of ongoing recovery and the department's oversight efforts, DCI has compiled the following data highlighting incurred losses and paid claims processed to date.

2025 Year-to-Date Statewide Catastrophic Weather Impact

In total, as of May 25, 2026, insurers have:

• Received over 250,000 (253,241) catastrophic claims on residential property, renters and condo owners, and auto insurance policies.
• Paid out more than $2.9 billion for catastrophic weather-related claims statewide.
• Of that amount, nearly $2.5 billion (approximately 83%) has been paid for residential property claims.

May 16 St. Louis Tornado Impact

As of May 25, 2026, insurers have:

• Received over 10,000 insurance claims resulting from this single weather event.
• Paid out more than $475 million across all lines of insurance (residential property, renters, and comprehensive personal auto).
• Of that total, nearly $429 million (approximately 90%) has been paid for residential property claims.

It is important to note that these figures represent only insured losses. Through its regulatory processes, DCI receives and continually analyzes other data. This information is used by the department to carry out its investigative and enforcement activities against individual insurance companies.

As previously observed by the department, the astounding level of uninsured losses - particularly in St. Louis - has significantly compounded the challenges of an already complicated recovery process.

DCI Assistance to Impacted Missourians

DCI remains committed to supporting Missouri consumers as they navigate the phases of recovery and the insurance claims process.

Following the catastrophic events of the 2025 severe weather season, DCI's Consumer Affairs Division interacted with 2,387 storm victims at 32 recovery events. This includes 11 days at the Disaster Assistance Center in St. Louis and four other St. Louis community recovery events, where consumer affairs specialists spoke with 1,046 tornado victims. DCI continues to attend monthly events in St. Louis to provide education, resources and assistance to those still on the path to recovery.

The department also recovered a record-shattering $46.2 million on behalf of Missouri consumers in 2025 through its mediation work on complaints. This amount more than doubles DCI's 2024 record of $22.6 million. Consumer affairs specialists processed 21,619 phone calls, 24,172 emails, 3,992 inquiries and 4,405 formal complaints in 2025.

While the department continues to hear reports of consumers experiencing issues with their insurance companies following the St. Louis tornado, DCI has received only 198 formal complaints to date for this specific storm.

"We continue to hear reports of consumers having problems with their insurance companies as a result of the St. Louis tornado, but we can only help if individuals reach out to us - and we strongly encourage them to do so," Director Nelson said. "Our dedicated team will assist Missourians to keep their claim and rebuilding efforts moving forward, completely free of charge."

Although extended recovery timelines are common after a catastrophic weather season, especially as contractors, adjusters and suppliers continue to work through high volumes, consumers should not be left without updates.

"Even as we shift to rebuilding and long-term reconstruction, Missourians should still expect clear communication from their insurers," Director Nelson added. "Again, if you're struggling to get updates, disagree with an estimate, or feel your claim isn't being handled properly, please reach out to DCI. We are most effective when you call us first."

While the department continues to closely monitor recovery from last year's historic weather, these same resources, protections and assistance are fully available to Missourians navigating claims for severe storms that have already occurred this year.

DCI experts are on call to answer questions about claims and any other insurance topics via the department's Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390. More information and resources are available at insurance.mo.gov.

DCI is charged with protecting Missouri consumers through oversight of the insurance industry, banks, credit unions, utilities and various professional licensees operating in the state. For more information about the department, please visit our website at dci.mo.gov.