Did you know there were 3,763 hail storms in 2021? And that’s just in the United States.
Hail is a rare occurrence, which is why it’s so shocking when the local news pulls up with cameras to capture the aftermath. They usually capture pictures of dented vehicles with shattered windows.
If this is you, don’t panic. While your car will probably never be the same, certain things are in your control, and others aren’t.
So, are you dealing with a car damaged by hail? Then this short and simple guide is for you.
Do: Take Pictures
The first thing you should do after a hailstorm has passed is to take pictures of your vehicle. This will help you determine if there was major or minor hail damage and whether you need to file an insurance claim.
If you have comprehensive coverage, it’s a good idea to file a claim anyway, even if the damage seems minor. You never know what might happen down the road.
Don’t: Ignore It
Although it may seem like no big deal, ignoring a car damaged by a hail storm could put your life at risk later on down the road. If something goes wrong with your car’s suspension or other parts that were damaged by the hail, you could end up losing control of your vehicle and crashing into something.
If this happens, you’ll be liable for any injuries that occur because of your negligence. So, make sure you book car repairs before driving it again.
Do: Call Your Insurance Agent
If you have comprehensive coverage, it’s a good idea to file a claim regardless of how minor the damage seems. Your agent can help you determine if your insurance policy will cover the loss and how much it will pay.
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, check with your insurance company to see which options are available for hail damage.
Don’t: Wait Too Long Before Filing a Claim
Most insurers require that you file within 15 days of discovering hail damage on your vehicle. If you wait too long, your insurance company might not cover the cost of repairing or replacing broken glass or dented panels on your vehicle.
The reason for this is that insurers need to determine how much of the damage was caused by hail before they decide whether they will cover it. If you wait too long, your insurer may not do this and will deny your claim.
Car Damaged by Hail? These Are the Steps to Take
Even with the best car insurance policy on the market, there’s no guarantee that a car damaged by hail will come through completely unscathed.
Once a vehicle emerges from such an event, the process of repair and restoration will begin, and that starts with a detailed inspection by a qualified professional. Be sure to follow these tips to make sure you get the best results possible.
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Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.