Hail can damage properties and vehicles. Unfortunately, in Colorado, hailstorms are a normal part of life.
In cars, this could mean dents and dings in the body, but it could be worse, such as cracked or shattered glass and interior water damage. That’s why there’s hail damage coverage under comprehensive insurance because who knows, you might suffer from a hail damaged car being totaled.
Can Hail Damage Really Total a Car?
You might think it’s impossible, but hail damage can be severe enough that it can total your vehicle. See, hailstorms are unpredictable and you never know what kind of damage it will bring to your car that is parked out in the open.
Although a totaled car due to hail damage is a less frequent sight, it’s possible and it happens. Fortunately, most of the time, the damage is repairable.
However, when it does total the vehicle, you can always claim your auto insurance or sell the salvage value. That way, you won’t be left without transportation
What is Your Hail Damage Coverage?
Should your car be a victim of vehicle hail damage and you have the proper auto insurance, you don’t have to worry about anything because your insurer will pay for the costs it takes to repair the vehicle. But do you have the right coverage?
If you live in an area that frequently experiences hailstorms, then a liability-only coverage on your auto policy will not cover hail damage. This is because the coverage only protects other people from harm and expenses that you cause.
Remember, hail storm damage falls under car insurance policies that have comprehensive coverage on the vehicle. With that, you need to buy comprehensive coverage before the damage. Otherwise, it would be too late for the repairs to be covered by your insurance policy.
Comprehensive insurance coverage does cover a lot, aside from hail damage, it covers the following:
- Collisions with birds/animals
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Fires or explosions
- Floods
- Hail or natural disasters
- Certain falling objects
In addition to that, insurance companies often prevent individuals from purchasing last-minute car insurance coverage before an inclement weather event is predicted.
What are the Insurance Deductibles?
Deductibles are in place to keep all insurance costs at a reasonable rate.
Insurance providers determine deductibles at the time you buy car insurance. Most of them need a deductible with a comprehensive policy, but sometimes they offer a zero deductible at an additional cost.
So, suppose you have hail damage on your vehicle and a deductible on a comprehensive package. In that case, you will pay the deductible when the car is repaired, regardless of the deductible amount. In some cases your auto repair facility can waive your deductible.
How is Hail Damage Assessed?
So, you file a claim for hail damage, your insurer won’t immediately draw up the paperwork to get your vehicle repaired. Instead, they will send an adjuster to examine your car. Make sure you have the car looked at in a garage under reflective lights or at least in a shady spot to prevent the glare of the sun from making it difficult to see.
There are two methods in which an adjuster will estimate the cost of repair. The first one is the Paintless Dent Removal (PDR), which includes the labor involved to fix dents from the body panel’s underside. PDR doesn’t require the vehicle to be repainted. Therefore, in this case, the cost will be assessed per panel or per dent. Along with that, the costs to remove and re-install any parts will be considered.
The other one is the traditional conventional method that is used for more severe damage.
When you’re getting your vehicle assessed for hail damage, make sure you let the insurer know which body shop you prefer to use, and if ever the estimate is too low, the body shop may speak with the insurer without you getting involved anymore.
Something that you should keep in mind is that dealing with hail damage is frustrating. Unfortunately, hail damage is one of those unexpected things in life that you just have to deal with.
How to File a Claim for Vehicle Hail Damage?
The first thing you need to do is call your insurer. Your insurance company will tell you what to do. Of course, you need to give them some detailed information. Conversely, you will be the one to choose the body shop where you want your vehicle repaired.
When you have all the documents sorted out, your insurer will send an adjuster to estimate the costs. You will get an estimate, in which you will determine if it’s right. If it’s not, as mentioned, the body shop can help you ensure that all damages are covered.
How Can You Prevent Car Hail Damage?
Even though you have hail damage insurance, you still want to prevent this from happening as much as possible. It’s a tedious process that you don’t want to be involved in. Therefore, prevention is key. Here are some ways you can save your vehicle from hail damage:
- Keep track of the weather: Since you’re in Colorado, where hailstorms frequently occur, it only makes sense you keep track of the weather. This can make a lot of difference because you can prepare and protect your vehicle. That way you have a chance to prevent hail damage.
- Always have a plan: When you know that a hailstorm is coming, make sure you plan for cover. You need to find a place where you can store your vehicle to avoid hail damage.
Knowing how to deal with vehicle hail damage is important, especially here in Colorado. You need to ensure you have sufficient auto insurance coverage in case hail causes damage to your vehicle. Dings and dents may seem minor, but they can cause further damage to your vehicle’s body when left unaddressed and also devalue your vehicle
Indeed, prevention is key. However, not everyone has the luxury to have a closed garage in their homes and needs to park their vehicles in open areas. Preparation is essential, which is why you need to ensure you’re covered. Get your hail insurance coverage today and be at ease that your vehicle will be protected despite the unpredictable weather no matter what happens.
For a reliable hail auto repair in Denver, CO Hail Free Solutions is here. We are one of the few certified PDR companies with a well-trained staff to restore your vehicle to its original state in the nation. Contact us today.
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