Auto Hail Damage & Insurance: What You Need to Know
TL;DR
Auto hail damage is usually covered by comprehensive insurance, but filing a claim may raise your premiums. Determine if repairs exceed your vehicle’s value and document damage thoroughly. While DIY fixes exist, professional repair is safer. Dent Clinic offers expert service in Canada to restore your vehicle after a hailstorm.
A hailstorm can be a scary thing, can’t it? Beyond high winds, odd pressure systems, and low visibility, there’s a distinct chance for damage to your home and car. If you have auto hail damage and insurance reporting is up next on your cleanup list, don’t fret. We’re here to make the process clearer for you.
Here are the top considerations with regards to auto hail damage and insurance claims.
Is Hail Damage Covered by Car Insurance?
The details of your car insurance coverage are entirely dependent on a few factors. Namely:
- Your auto insurance provider,
- Your coverage level, and
- Any additional stipulations in your policy.
At minimum, you must have comprehensive coverage to be covered in the case of hail damage. This ensures that your vehicle is covered for more than just collision.
Is Hail Damage Considered a Total Loss?
Total loss is a term the auto insurance industry uses to determine a car’s state following damage. Essentially, total loss is determined when the cost to repair a vehicle is greater than its value.
For newer or luxury vehicles, repairs rarely exceed the value of the car. But for older, more common, or already-damaged vehicles, the rule is flipped. Here, a costly repair can easily exceed the stated value of the car. And as you likely know, hail damage can be quite extensive and impactful during some storms.
How Do I File a Hail Damage Claim?
Start by determining if your vehicle coverage includes comprehensive coverage or not. If this has been added to your policy, you are good to move forward.
Begin by documenting the damage for your insurance company. This can include photos and videos of the storm while it is happening and of the damaged spots on your car. Be thorough, as the more information you can offer your insurer the better.
Before you even reach out to your company, ensure further damage is avoided. This can be done by removing water from your car, sealing holes or breakage with tarps or cling wrap, etc. This will ensure your vehicle claim is solely for the damage that was caused by the hail.
Next, reach out to your insurance provider. Your company likely has a dedicated email or direct line that deals exclusively with claims.
Next, make yourself available to the adjustor that gets assigned to your case. They will request additional details as needed and may want to visually inspect the car themselves as you move through the process.
Keep detailed records as you navigate the process. Auto claims can be a maze, so the more documentation you have the less likely you are to be tripped up.
Does a Hail Damage Claim Raise Car Insurance Rates?
Yes, any insurance claim, including those for auto hail damage, will potentially increase your rates. Exact changes to your policy rates are determined by your policy provider.
Of course, you may be wishing to avoid raised rates altogether. And you may be wondering, “should I claim hail damage on my car?” While we can’t answer that for you, know that alternatives to insurance claims exist.
Can I Fix Hail Dents Without Repainting?
There are some DIY fixes for auto damage, but they’re not perfect. Moreover, hail can be an exceedingly damaging occurrence, causing window cracks, flat tires, and more. As with any major damaging event, it’s better to avoid making the damage worse. We recommend working with the professionals once your insurance provider has greenlit your claim.
Who Should I Call After Suffering Hail Damage?
Dent Clinic is equipped to handle your auto damage needs, including hail damage repair for insurance claims. We are a fast, affordable, and reliable means of getting your car back on the road following an incident.
Discover our locations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Medicine Hat to get your car back to its pre-loss state.
Consult with an expert for repairing your hail-damaged vehicle.
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