Freak hail storm losses could hit $200m

The cost of the freak hail storm that battered the border of Victoria, South Australia and NSW could reach $200 million.

Insurers have received more than 13,200 claims worth $71 million since the severe supercell thunderstorms destroyed homes, cars and crops in Victoria's Mallee, South Australia's Riverland and NSW's south west on Friday night and Saturday.

While surveying the damage on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said anecdotal reports suggest crop losses and farm damage are about $200 million.