A support scientist looks at radar on his phone while tracking a supercell thunderstorm in Oklahoma. Hail damage contributed to $51 billion in insured losses last year from severe storms, according to the Insurance Information Institute, an industry-backed think tank.

Lawsuits allege that State Farm tries to avoid paying what it owes for hail damage. The litigation is happening as homeowners face soaring insurance costs, partly due to threats from climate change.

(Image credit: Drew Angerer)

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