Cars that are parked outside most (if not all) of the time are more likely to suffer some bumps and bruises from the Great Outdoors.
Maybe it’s just a slight ding in the parking lot of a shopping center or a bird deciding your car would make a nice toilet. However other times, nature can be a lot more fierce.
One threat that car owners may have to deal with is hail. Hail storms can pop up pretty quickly and pose a threat to vehicles parked outside. Sometimes the hail is pretty small and doesn’t cause any noticeable damage. Other times you may not be so lucky.
Moderate size hail can leave the outside of your car looking dimpled like a golf ball. Larger size hail can cause broken windows, smashed headlights, and/or damaged paint.
During a hailstorm, it is crucial to get yourself and your vehicle as protected as possible. But if, in case, your vehicle gets damaged, you may be wondering does car insurance cover hail damage?
Here’s a brief overview of what you should know about hail and auto insurance policies.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
The short answer to that is it depends. Your car insurance policy may or may not provide coverage for damages to your car after a hail.
In car insurance, there are multiple types of coverages. And the most common type of coverage is liability coverage.
The reason why liability coverage is the most common type of coverage is because it is the minimum requirement coverage in most states. Liability car insurance coverage refers to the type of car insurance coverage that provides coverage for the other party if you are found at fault in an accident.
However, you can purchase other types of coverage. Other types of coverage include:
- Liability coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Collision coverage
- Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
- Underinsured motorist and uninsured
What Type Of Coverage Covers Hail Damage?
If you have comprehensive coverage (or full coverage), then most likely your car insurance policy will provide coverage for damages to your car after a hailstorm. Comprehensive car insurance coverage provides coverage for damage to your vehicle that is due to an unexpected event. For example, hail!
Full coverage is pretty much a bundle of many types of car insurance coverage. But most of the time, it includes liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
However, it’s not a guarantee that a comprehensive car insurance policy will provide coverage for damages your car sustains from hail. Because not all comprehensive car insurance provides coverage for hail damage.
So it is best to check your car insurance policy carefully if it includes hail damage coverage.
Making a Claim For Hail Damage
Now, how do you make a claim for hail damage to your car insurance?
Before making a claim for your car insurance coverage, you must first pay your deductible. After paying your deductible, you can file a claim to your car insurance regarding the car damages after a hailstorm.
How bad can a hailstorm affect your car? Well at its worst, a hailstorm can total your car. And this can affect insurance too.
If the damage to your car is extensive and its worth is more than your car’s current worth, then it may not be worth fixing. Your insurance adjuster will tell you whether your vehicle is worth repairing or not.