Many vehicle owners wonder what the relationship is between auto hail repair and their insurance. Hailstorms can cause serious damage to cars and leave owners with high repair costs. The good news is, your car insurance will come to your aid in such situations. Understanding how your auto insurance policy interacts and repairs hail damage can save you money and stress.
It's important to know that not all auto insurance policies cover hail. Hail damage is usually covered under comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage is a type of car insurance that covers damage caused by incidents other then collisions. These include theft, fire, vandalism and yes, even hail damage. If you live in a region prone to hailstorms it is wise to add comprehensive coverage to your insurance policy.
The first thing you should do after your vehicle is damaged by hail is contact your insurance provider to file a claim. The insurance company will send an adjuster out to inspect the damage, and estimate the cost. Document the damage with photos or notes to support your claim. Insurance companies will only pay up to the value on the car. If the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the car, it may be declared a loss.
It's important to also be aware of the deductible on your insurance policy. The deductible is what you will have to pay before your insurance kicks in. If you have a $500 insurance deductible, and the repair costs total $2000, then you will pay the first $500, and your insurance company will cover the rest. It's a good idea for you to review your insurance policy and understand your deductible prior to a hailstorm.
A claim for hail damage won't increase your insurance rate. This is because hail is a 'no fault' claim. It was caused by circumstances outside of your control. If you make multiple hail damage claims within a short time, your insurer may consider you to be a high-risk customer and increase your premiums.
There is a link between auto hail damage and car insurance. Your car insurance can cover the cost of hailstorm repairs. It's important to understand your policy terms, including the deductible and any potential impact on insurance rates. You can handle the aftermath of a storm with less stress if you are informed.