Hail is a weather event that occurs in many places each year, with the potential to cause thousands of dollars in damage to cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Those who live in or frequently travel to areas that experience hail storms may experience glass breakage, cosmetic damage, or even structural issues as a result of a severe hail storm. Drivers who want to gain a better understanding of hail damage and how their insurance company is likely to handle this type of claim may find the following information helpful.
Liability versus full comprehensive coverage
The first thing that drivers will need to know is that not all types of automobile insurance will provide coverage for hail damage. Drivers who carry only liability coverage for their vehicles will not be able to file a claim for hail damage. Comprehensive policies, however, do provide hail damage coverage, as well as higher levels of coverage and protection for other types of claims.
Coverage purchase timing
Drivers who do not currently have an automobile insurance plan that offers hail damage coverage should not wait until they are faced with a hail storm to make that change. This is because most auto insurance providers routinely place a hold on coverage increases if a storm or other potentially damaging weather event is projected to occur at that time.
For example, a driver who decides to upgrade their coverage from liability to comprehensive because of a weather forecast that predicts a hail storm is likely to find that their new coverage has a holding time placed on it for the period when the storm is expected to hit.
Hail damage can result in a total loss
Because hail damage often forms visible dents and depressions in the surface of the vehicle without actually affecting the mechanical condition, many drivers may be surprised to learn that many hail damage claims result in their car being considered a total loss by their insurance company.
Drivers who have had their cars totaled by their insurance company due to hail damage may be able to purchase the car back from their insurer for a small price. If the car can be safely driven and the driver is not upset with the appearance of the vehicle, doing this can be good way to save money on transportation costs. However, drivers who take this action should understand that they usually cannot purchase comprehensive coverage for the damaged vehicle and may also find it difficult to resell this type of vehicle due to it having been totaled and assigned a salvage title.
To learn more about hail damage claims and what you can expect from your automobile insurance provider, contact your insurance agent or broker.
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