Common claim risks in Fort Smith
- Tornadoes
- Hail
- Straight-line winds
- River flooding
- Ice storms
Storm and flood history
On April 21, 1996, a tornado struck downtown Fort Smith and Van Buren across the river, damaging historic buildings and hundreds of homes. In late May and early June 2019, the Arkansas River rose to record levels at Fort Smith and Van Buren, flooding low-lying neighborhoods. River flooding is generally excluded from homeowner policies and handled through flood insurance, so separating flood damage from wind or rain damage is a frequent issue here.
Housing across Fort Smith
- Belle Grove Historic District: Victorian and Queen Anne homes with complex roof forms, decorative trim and plaster interiors.
- Central and east Fort Smith: early-to-mid 20th-century bungalows and brick cottages.
- South side and Chaffee Crossing: newer subdivisions with architectural shingles and open floor plans where flooring and paint continuity matter.
Commercial and industrial
Fort Smith has a large manufacturing and distribution base. Metal buildings, low-slope roofs and large warehouse footprints make commercial hail and wind claims a significant part of the work in Sebastian and Crawford counties.
Appraisal services in Fort Smith
Every Arkansas Insurance Appraiser service is available to property owners in Fort Smith and the rest of Sebastian County, including:
- Appraisal Clause Representation
- Homeowner Claim Appraisal
- Commercial & HOA Claim Appraisal
- Roof & Hail Damage Appraisal
- Tornado & Wind Damage Appraisal
- Hurricane Remnant & Tropical Storm Claims
- Water Damage Claim Appraisal
Questions from Fort Smith property owners
My house was flooded and also lost shingles. How does that work?
The homeowner policy may cover the wind damage while flood insurance covers rising water. Each loss needs separate documentation.
Do you cover Van Buren and Crawford County?
Yes, along with the rest of the River Valley.
Can you help with metal warehouse roofs?
Yes. We review cosmetic-damage language first, then document seams, fasteners and panels.
