Erie Auto Insurance: Understanding Hail Damage Coverage

Hail damage can be a nightmare for car owners, but comprehensive insurance can provide peace of mind. Erie Insurance offers comprehensive coverage as an optional extra on auto insurance policies, protecting against losses caused by something other than a collision. This includes vandalism, theft, fire, and weather events such as hail damage. With comprehensive insurance, you can rest assured that the cost of repairing those unsightly dents and scratches caused by hail will be covered. However, it's important to note that comprehensive policies usually come with a deductible, so make sure you choose an amount that you can afford to pay in the event of a claim.

Hail damage to a car can range from minor scratches to shattered glass

Hail damage to a car can range from minor scratches and dents to broken windshields and shattered glass. The severity of the damage depends on various factors, including the size and speed of the hailstones, the angle of impact, and the characteristics of the vehicle.

Small hailstones, with a diameter of less than 1 inch, can fall at speeds between 9 and 25 mph, causing dents on a car's roof and hood. Larger hailstones, with diameters of 2 inches or more, can reach speeds of up to 72 mph and can cause more extensive damage, including chipping the paint and breaking windows. The damage caused by hail can be random, with some hailstones leaving visible dents while others bounce off without a trace.

To protect your car from hail damage, it is advisable to park it inside a garage or under a covered carport. If you are caught in a hailstorm while driving, seek overhead protection, such as a bridge or parking deck, or position your vehicle underneath a tree to slow the velocity of the hail and potentially reduce damage. Using moving blankets or comforters to cover the car's roof, windshield, and hood can also help to deflect the impact of hailstones.

If your car sustains hail damage, it is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Comprehensive coverage typically covers hail damage, while a standard liability policy usually does not. Compare the repair cost to your deductible before filing a claim, as minor dents may be more cost-effective to fix out-of-pocket. The repair process for hail damage can vary depending on the extent of the damage, with paintless dent repairs being a quicker and more affordable option for minor cosmetic issues.

Comprehensive insurance covers hail damage

Hail damage can be a major concern for car owners, especially when severe storms hit. While some hailstorms may cause little to no harm, others can leave vehicles with shattered glass, severe body damage, and even a total loss. So, does Erie auto insurance cover hail damage?

Yes, Erie auto insurance offers comprehensive insurance, which covers hail damage. Comprehensive insurance is one of two types of optional physical damage coverage, with the other being collision insurance. While collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle in the event of a car accident, comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by factors beyond your control, such as falling objects, break-ins, and weather events like hailstorms.

Comprehensive insurance policies typically have a deductible, so it's important to choose a deductible amount that you feel comfortable paying in the event of a claim. The average weather-related comprehensive claim, which can include hail damage, is around $2,800. However, the cost of repairs can vary depending on the severity of the damage.

To protect your vehicle from hail damage, it is advisable to move it to a garage or under cover if a hailstorm is expected. If you're caught driving during a hailstorm, it's important to find a safe place to stop, stay inside your car, and protect yourself from any debris.

If your vehicle sustains hail damage, it's important to report the loss to your insurer as soon as possible. An insurer's material damage appraiser can explain the repair options and work directly with the chosen repair facility to facilitate the claim handling and vehicle repair process.

Collision insurance does not cover hail damage

If you're looking for insurance to cover hail damage to your vehicle, collision insurance is not the right choice. Collision insurance only covers damage to your vehicle in the event of a collision, as the name suggests.

When it comes to protecting your car from hail damage, comprehensive insurance is what you need. Comprehensive insurance, also known as "other than collision" coverage, covers damage to your vehicle from events outside of your control, including hail and other weather-related incidents.

Hail can cause varying levels of damage to your car, from a few minor dents to severe body panel damage and shattered glass. If you have comprehensive insurance and your car suffers hail damage, your insurance company will pay for the repairs minus your deductible and up to your policy's limit, usually the cash value of your car.

It's important to note that minor hail damage may not be worth claiming, as the repair costs often don't exceed the deductible. However, if the hail causes significant damage, it can total your vehicle. In this case, your insurance company will likely pay you the car's actual cash value minus the deductible, and you can use that money to purchase another car.

To be prepared for hail damage, it's a good idea to review your insurance policy and ensure you have sufficient coverage. Contact your insurance agent to discuss your options and understand the specifics of your policy.

Hail damage to a home can cost around $10,000

Hail damage to a home can be costly, with the average financial cost of hail damage to a home being around $10,000. This amount can vary depending on several factors, including the length of the storm, the size of the hail, the amount of damage, and the condition of the structures before the storm.

Hail can cause extensive damage to a home, including shredded roof coverings, dented siding, broken windows, and water damage. The cost to repair roof damage from a storm typically runs about $940. However, the cost of hail damage repair can vary greatly due to the extent of the damage, the roof material, and the roof design. Asphalt shingle replacement, for example, can range from $1,700 to $8,400, or $1 to $5 per square foot. On the other hand, repairing a tile roof is more expensive, ranging from $700 to $800 per square.

In addition to roof damage, hail can also cause damage to other parts of the home, such as gutters, windows, siding, decks, porches, and driveways. Gutter repairs typically cost between $175 and $550, while siding repairs average $600. Window replacement costs between $200 and $2,100 per window, and wood or composite deck repair costs around $3,000. Concrete patio or porch repair costs can range from $175 to $2,300.

To mitigate the costs of hail damage, it is important to have sufficient homeowner's insurance coverage. Most homeowner's insurance policies provide coverage for hail damage, but there may be restrictions and deductibles that apply. It is also important to take proactive measures to protect your home from hail damage, such as using high-quality roofing materials and maintaining your roof in good condition.

Erie Insurance offers a photo appraisal process for car damage

Hail damage can wreak havoc on your car, causing anything from a few minor dents to severe body panel damage, shattered glass, and hefty repair costs. Luckily, Erie Insurance offers comprehensive coverage as an optional coverage for auto owners, which includes protection against fire, theft, vandalism, hail damage, and other weather events.

If your car has suffered hail damage, your policy conditions will likely require that you report your loss as soon as possible to your insurer. Erie Insurance offers a convenient photo appraisal process for car damage, which eliminates the need for a separate estimate from an auto body repair facility or an on-site inspection by a claims adjuster.

Here's how it works:

Once you've filed a claim, you'll be connected with a claims adjuster who will guide you through the process. If your claim qualifies for a photo appraisal, the adjuster will send you a link to the photo appraisal tool via text message and email. The tool will walk you through the steps of capturing photos and a short video of the damage to your vehicle. Be sure to take clear photos from multiple angles, including all four corners of the vehicle, to provide a comprehensive view of the damage.

After you've uploaded the photos and video, an Erie Insurance representative will prepare an estimate of the repair costs. They will typically contact you within 48 business hours to discuss your settlement options and eligibility for ePayment.

The photo appraisal process is designed to be fast and convenient, helping you get back on the road as quickly as possible. By providing an efficient way to assess vehicle damage, Erie Insurance streamlines the claims process and makes it easier for customers to navigate the often stressful aftermath of a car accident.

Frequently asked questions