Auto Hail Damage: Filing An Insurance Claim

If your car has been damaged by hail, you may be able to claim on your insurance to cover the cost of repairs. Whether you can claim depends on the type of insurance you have and the extent of the damage. If you have comprehensive insurance, your policy will cover hail damage, but you will have to pay the deductible. If the damage is minor, it may not be worth claiming, as the repair costs may not exceed the deductible. If you decide to claim, you should document the damage and get an estimate from a body shop before starting repairs. You can then file a comprehensive insurance claim, and an insurance adjuster will assess the damage and determine whether your insurance company will pay for repairs or if your car is a total loss.

Check your insurance policy before filing a claim

Before filing a claim for hail damage, it is important to check your insurance policy. This is because there are a few things to consider that may affect whether you should file a claim or not.

Firstly, check your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you will have to pay out of pocket if you file a claim. For wind and hail damage, this is often set at a minimum of $2,500 and can go higher. If the damage to your car is minor, such as a couple of dents, it may not be worth filing a claim as the repair costs likely won't exceed the deductible.

Secondly, some insurance policies do not cover specific types of damage. Filing a claim for damage that is not covered by your policy may result in negative consequences such as increased premiums. Therefore, it is important to understand the limitations and exclusions of your policy.

Thirdly, if you have made several claims recently, your insurance company may suspect fraud and raise their premiums or even deny your claim. So, it is important to consider the number of claims you have made recently before filing a new one.

Finally, it is also worth noting that even if your rates cannot be raised due to a hail claim, the number of claims against your policy can affect your rates. If you have made multiple claims recently, the total amount of claims made could cause you to be seen as a higher risk, which may result in higher rates.

Document the damage

Documenting the damage is a crucial step in the process of filing a hail damage claim. Here's a detailed guide on what to do:

Take Photos of the Damage:

• Capture photos from different angles to show the full extent of the damage. Take close-up shots of individual dents, scratches, or broken parts. Also, take photos from a distance to show the overall impact of the hail on the vehicle.
• Don't forget the interior: If the hail has caused any damage inside the car, such as torn upholstery or broken glass, make sure to take pictures of that as well.
• Include a timestamp: If possible, include a timestamp or the date and time in the photos to provide context and proof of when the damage occurred.

Create a Detailed Description:

Write a comprehensive description of the damage, including all the affected areas of the vehicle. Note the location and extent of each type of damage, such as dents, scratches, broken windows, or any other issues. A detailed description will help the insurance company understand the full scope of the damage and make the claims process smoother.

Seek a Professional Assessment:

Consider contacting a trusted body shop or mechanic to assess the damage. They can provide a professional opinion on the extent of the damage and give you an estimate for the repairs. This estimate will be useful when comparing the cost of repairs to your deductible. However, do not initiate repairs before getting approval from your insurance company, as this may affect your claim.

Compare the Damage to Your Deductible:

Before filing a claim, it is essential to compare the estimated repair costs to your comprehensive deductible. If the repair costs do not significantly exceed your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim, as you will likely end up paying for the repairs yourself.

Document Any Additional Damage:

If there is any other damage to your vehicle, unrelated to the hail storm, make sure to document this separately. Pre-existing damage or subsequent damage from other incidents should be noted and communicated to your insurance company to avoid confusion or disputes during the claims process.

Remember, accurate and thorough documentation is key to supporting your insurance claim. Take your time to capture comprehensive photos and create detailed records of the hail damage to your vehicle. This will help streamline the claims process and ensure a smoother experience when dealing with your insurance provider.

Get an estimate from a body shop

If you're planning to file for hail storm auto insurance, one of the first steps is to get an estimate from a body shop for the repairs. This is an important step as it will give you an idea of the cost of repairs and help you decide whether to proceed with filing an insurance claim. Here's a detailed guide on getting an estimate from a body shop for hail damage:

Choosing a Body Shop:

Start by looking for reputable body shops in your area that have experience in handling hail damage repairs. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family, or search for reviews online. It is beneficial to choose a shop that offers free estimates and has a quick turnaround time. For example, StormWise offers free estimates in less than an hour.

Initial Assessment:

During the initial assessment, a repair facility will examine the damage to your vehicle. They will assess the severity of the hail damage, take photos, and gather any necessary information for the repair estimate. This process can vary in time, ranging from a few hours to a day or longer, depending on the shop and the complexity of the damage.

Estimate for Repairs:

Based on the initial assessment, the body shop will provide you with an estimate of the cost and timeframe for the repairs. This estimate should be detailed, outlining the specific repairs needed, the cost of parts, and the labour involved. It is important to remember that this is just an estimate, and the final cost may vary depending on any additional issues discovered during the repair process.

Comparing the Estimate to Your Deductible:

Before proceeding with the repairs or filing an insurance claim, compare the repair estimate to the amount of your deductible. If the repair costs significantly exceed the deductible, it may be worthwhile to file an insurance claim. However, if the damage is minor and the repair costs are only slightly higher than your deductible, you may want to consider paying for the repairs out of pocket to avoid any potential increases in your insurance premiums.

Communicating with the Body Shop:

Throughout the process, maintain open communication with the body shop. Discuss the repair plan, ask questions, and address any concerns you may have. A reputable body shop should keep you informed and provide updates if there are any changes or adjustments to the initial estimate.

Approving the Estimate:

Once you receive the estimate, carefully review it and approve it if you are satisfied with the proposed repairs and costs. If you have an insurance policy, they will also need to review and approve the estimate before any repairs can begin. There may be some back and forth negotiation with the insurance company regarding the required repairs and costs.

Understanding the Repair Process:

After the estimate is approved, the body shop will proceed with the repairs. Depending on the severity of the damage and other factors, the repair process can vary in time. It typically involves stages such as ordering parts, body repair, painting, reassembly, and quality control. Be prepared for possible delays due to supply chain issues, additional damage discovered during repairs, or the workload of the repair shop.

Remember, getting an estimate from a body shop is an important step in the process of filing for hail storm auto insurance. It helps you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with an insurance claim and ensures you have a clear understanding of the repairs needed and the potential costs involved.

Compare the repair estimate to your deductible

When your car has been damaged in a hail storm, the first thing to do is check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, your auto insurance will cover hail damage, but you will have to pay the deductible.

The next step is to get an estimate from a trusted body shop for the repairs. It's important to get this estimate before initiating any repairs. This estimate will give you a breakdown of all the visible repairs needed, as well as the prices for each repair. It's worth noting that repair estimates may vary depending on factors such as labor rates, parts prices, and the time required to perform the repairs.

Now, compare the repair estimate to your deductible. This step is crucial in deciding whether to file a claim or not. If the repair costs are only slightly above your deductible, you may want to consider paying for the repairs out of pocket. Filing a claim for minor damage may not be worth it, as it could result in a higher premium on renewal. Additionally, having multiple minor claims could cause your insurance company to view you as a higher risk and increase your rates or even not renew your policy.

On the other hand, if the repair estimate is significantly higher than your deductible, it's likely worth filing a claim. In this case, your insurance company will pay for the repairs minus the deductible. Keep in mind that you have the freedom to choose where you get your car repaired, but it's recommended to use a reputable and experienced shop to ensure the necessary repairs are made properly.

File a comprehensive insurance claim

To file a comprehensive insurance claim for hail damage to your car, you must first ensure that you have comprehensive insurance coverage. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle from events outside of your control, including hail and other weather-related damage.

The next step is to document the damage. Take photos or videos of all the hail damage to your car. You should also get an estimate from a trusted body shop for the repairs, but do not initiate any repairs if you intend to make a claim.

Compare the repair estimate to the amount of your deductible. If the repair costs are only slightly more than your deductible, or less, it may not be worth filing a claim. This is because you will have to pay the deductible, and minor hail damage is often not worth claiming. However, if the repair costs are significantly more than your deductible, it is worth filing a claim.

If you decide to go ahead with the claim, you can file a comprehensive insurance claim with your insurance provider. An insurance adjuster will then assess the damage and determine whether the insurance company will pay for repairs or if your car is a total loss. If your car is repairable, your insurance company will pay for repairs minus the deductible. If your car is a total loss, your insurer will pay the car's actual cash value minus the deductible, which you can use to buy another car.

It is important to note that even if your rates cannot be raised due to a hail claim, the number of claims against your policy can affect your rates. If you have made multiple claims, you may be seen as a higher risk and your rates may increase.

Frequently asked questions