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Winter storm damages top $10 million, so far

Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said insured losses in the state from the Jan. 28 snowstorm have reached an estimated $10 million.

ATLANTA — Body shops in the metro area said they've never been this packed.

The manager of Abra Auto Body in Marietta said his crash volume is up ten times over normal.  The owner of Magnum Collission in Marietta said this will be among the top four storms he's seen in 30 years of business.

So far, State Farm insurance has already reported more than 1,000 auto claims and 300 homeowner claims.

Insurance companies are advising customers to hold on to their car and make an appointment, if the car is still driveable.

Hudgens emphasized that the $10 million in claims reports are only a partial listing.  He said not all companies have reported. 

Hudgens said Georgians can call his Consumer Services Division at 404-656-2070, or outside the Metro area at 1-800-656-2298 if they have questions about a claim or if they are experiencing difficulty reaching their insurance company.  Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.