Now is the time that Prairie farmers are starting to think about hail insurance.

Last year, Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA) member companies covered more than $6.3 billion in crops in Western Canada. Companies paid $161 million on 11,200 claims.

Weather conditions are similar to last year, which saw some of the most severe storms ever across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. A June 14 storm destroyed crops across all three provinces. Some insurers reported this to be one of the costliest June storms on record.

Overall, Manitoba was hit hardest last year with an industry loss ratio of 71 percent compared to 47 percent in 2017. Saskatchewan followed with a 66 percent loss ratio, compared to 30 percent. Alberta came in a little better at 40 percent loss ratio compared to 34 percent in 2017.

"Last year, we had fewer storms but higher than average claim payments because the storms we did have were more damaging," said CCHA President Rick Omelchenko. "Conditions are improving but vary across Western Canada. This means farmers need to closely consider their hail coverage levels as we enter the storm season."

CCHA recommends that producers have hail storm coverage in place early in the season. Producers may not be able to purchase hail coverage after crops are damaged by a storm, which means they would carry the full risk for the remainder of the year.

"Now is the time to talk to a member of the Canadian Crop Hail Association about insurance that fits your operation," Omelchenko said. "Hail storms on the prairie are a certainty. Let us help you get the coverage you need to have a successful year."