Car Insurance Claims for Hail Damage

You finally got some time for that afternoon drive that you have been planning for ages! And it’s exciting. Out of nowhere, you experience a hailstorm. And you were not prepared for this. And even worse, your car gets damaged from the hail. How will you cater for the interior damage, windshield or even body damage caused by hail? Will your insurance provider cover the damage caused? Let’s solve this mystery. 

Does car insurance cover damage that is caused by hail? 

Yes. Car insurance can provide coverage for damage caused by hail. However, not all car insurance policies will cater to such damage. You must have a comprehensive insurance policy for your insurance provider to provide coverage caused by hail. 

What is comprehensive car insurance? 

This is a vehicle insurance policy that provides coverage if a car is damaged due to an accident, storm damage, damage caused by animals as well as falling objects such as hail. Comprehensive insurance coverage will help replace parts damaged due to hail or repair them. And since hail can cause dents, shattered or cracked glasses and even interior water damage, a comprehensive insurance policy is a must-have especially if you want to have a wider peril coverage. 
If you have liability-only coverage, your insurance provider will not cater for hail damage. Liability-only coverage will only protect other parties from damage that you caused. For instance, with liability-only coverage, your insurer will cater for damages caused to the other persons’ car and not yours in the event of an accident. 

Will hail coverage raise your deductible amount? 

With a comprehensive insurance policy, most insurers will require a deductible. However, some insurers offer a zero-deductible policy. While hail coverage will not raise your deductible, you can opt to remit a higher deductible amount especially if you are located in an area that is not prone to hail. In this instance, you will pay lower premiums. However, please note that you will be required to pay the deductible amount if your vehicle is damaged, no matter the cost of the hail damage. In some instances, hail can cause extreme damage to your car. Having a comprehensive insurance policy comes in handy since your insurer will cater to the damage caused. 

Will my auto insurance rates rise due to a hail claim? 

While the cost of damage caused by light hail may be less than your deductible, heavy hail damage can write off your car. A hail damage claim will only raise your auto insurance rates if you are located in an area that is more prone to hail. To safeguard themselves against the risk of hail, your insurance provider may raise the cost of auto insurance, given the high risks involved. To lower the auto insurance rates, you can opt to raise your deductible amount. Please note that this is only wise if your location is not prone to hail storms. Also, your auto insurance rates could rise if the total number of claims including those of accidents significantly rise. 

What should I do if your car gets hail damage? 

Hail damage can be a confusing experience, especially if it’s your first time. However, the trick is to act quickly. Opting to report the damage after days or weeks will only compromise your claims. 

• You need to assess the level of damage- Even if you are well knowledgeable in the auto-sector, take note of visible damage as well as invisible damage. For instance, if your car won’t start after hail damage, be sure to note that. However, most hail damage results in minor damages such as shattered windows and dents. 
• Estimate the level of damage- Is the damage worth making a claim? Is it more than the deductible amount? If the damage is significant, get in touch with your insurance agent. 
• File a claim- If you have comprehensive vehicle insurance, ensure you file your claim quickly. This will minimize the time taken to get the car fixed. 

How will my insurance provider assess hail damage to my car? 

If your vehicle is damaged by hail, your insurance provider must examine your vehicle. Always ensure your car is parked in a shady area or a garage since the glare from direct light can make some dents difficult to see. Also, contact your insurance provider immediately as soon as the storm passes. 
The extent of damage will be estimated based on:

• Paintless dent removal (PDR)- This entails the labour that will be needed to fix dents without necessarily repainting the car. This estimate will also account for the removal or reinstallation of other parts. It can be done on a per dent or per panel basis. 
• Traditional method- This may be necessary if body panels need an entire replacement.  

Ways in which you can protect your car from hail damage

Hail is a natural occurrence, and cannot be prevented. If you live in an area that is prone to hail, you can take steps to ensure you protect your car from hail damage. 

• Purchase a car cover- Purchasing a car cover and utilizing it during the hail season can go a long way in protecting your car. Whether you are parked away from home or on the road, you can pull the cover and save your car from severe hail damage. 
• Download a weather app- Gone are the days when no one had an idea of how the days’ weather will turn out. With a weather app, you can get alerts when a hail storm is approaching. This will give you enough time to take protective measures such as covering your car or parking the car in a safe place. 
• Find a temporary shelter- If you are on the road during a hail, consider getting a safe place to park your car until the hail storm passes. If you cannot get to a parking area on time, seek shelter under an overpass or a strong roofed structure. If inside the car, protect yourself from broken glass by covering your face with clothing. 

With comprehensive insurance from a reputable insurance provider, you will be covered against perils such as hail, theft, vandalism, floods and even fires. Safeguard yourself and your car with an automotive comprehensive insurance policy.