Auto insurance coverage is essential to keep your vehicle protected against at-fault accidents, collisions, theft, vandalism, etc. It also covers damage or destruction to your vehicle resulting from natural disasters including a hailstorm. However, a basic car insurance policy does not cover hail damage. Are you wondering then what coverage you must have to stay covered against hail damage? Read on to find out.
If your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, you can be reimbursed for hail damage up to your policy’s limit after paying your deductible. Otherwise, you have to pay for the damage out of pocket.
If your vehicle is damaged from a hailstorm, you have to document the damage by taking photos. Then, you have to send these photos to your insurance adjuster, even though they are planning to visit your place to assess the damage.
Even the weakest hailstorms can cause significant damage to your car. On the other hand, a strong hailstorm can damage your vehicle beyond repair. If your insurance provider declares your vehicle a total loss, they will reimburse your car’s actual cash value, subtracting the deductible.
Sometimes, hail damage can be repaired by a “paintless dent removal” process. This process involves pushing back the dented areas to their original positions. Other repair methods like replacing damaged panels or filling and repairing dents can be expensive and time-consuming.
If your car is damaged by a hailstorm, but not totaled, you can file a claim following these steps:
If the repair cost of your vehicle exceeds its actual cash value, your car will be declared a total loss.
It depends on your claims history and the total claim amount. Some insurance providers may increase your premium after one hail damage claim if the claim amount is big. Some other providers will add it to your claims history. If you have a history of frequent claims, your premiums may increase.
If your location is prone to hail damage, you will be more likely to file claims, thus, your coverage cost will also increase. However, keeping your car protected in a covered garage can help minimize the risk of hail damage and lower your premiums.
At Fuller Insurance Agency, we offer comprehensive auto insurance coverage that covers your car against hail damage. Contact our insurance professionals today to get cost-effective auto insurance coverage that ensures adequate protection on and off roads.
