May and June are when you are most likely to experience afternoon thunderstorms that come with hail. There isn’t any way to know if hail will fall, but once it pours, you often don’t have much time to prepare and prevent the damage to your properties.
While hail varies in size, it can pose a severe threat to structures and property like your car. From the tiny dings damaging the body of your vehicle to golf-sized hail smashing your windows and windshield, hail can be a catastrophic phenomenon.
If a hailstorm mars the exterior of your car, it’s wise to fix the dented area right away to avoid further damage. However, those repairs can cost you, so you might ask yourself, whether it’s better to live with the hail damage or go through the hassle of an insurance claim.
Should You File Hail Damage Insurance Claims?
Unless you want to pay for the damage out of your pocket, it’s best to use your insurance for what it’s for. Assuming you have the right coverage. Having comprehensive insurance or “other than collision” coverage can help you deal with unpredictable conditions like hailstorms. However, you should note that you ‘ll still need to cover your deductible. So before filing a claim, consider the severity of your car’s damage. Will the deductible cost more than out-of-the-pocket repairs?
If you decide to file a claim, make sure that the amount of the insurance pay-out is more than your deductible. If this doesn’t make any sense, imagine this: if your car sustains $1,200 worth of damage, and your deductible is $1000, it might not be wise to file a claim. Filing a claim can raise your rates, which means that you are likely to pay over time than if you’d just payed out-of-pocket costs in the long run. If that’s your situation, it’s not worth it.
Making an insurance claim is both dull and arduous. Add that to being a victim of a hailstorm, and it becomes a chore that you probably would rather avoid. But here’s a piece of good news: you don’t need to go through the complicated process of hail damage claims with a professional by your side.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start a Hail Damage Claim
Follow these steps for a smooth hail damage insurance claims process:
Step 1: Contact your insurance company
Before going to a professional repair team or estimating the repair cost, call your insurance provider first to report the event. They will guide you throughout the process, and in turn, they will ask you a few questions about what happened. At the end of it, your insurance company will provide a claim number specific to you, your car, and the damage.
Step 2: Document the damage spots by taking pictures or video
Take high-resolution images or videos of your damaged car(s), focusing on the different angles if the dented areas. Documenting the damage will help you prove your claim in case of later disputes. Also, be sure to take a picture of your entire vehicle with the license plate to show the full damage in one frame to show that it is your vehicle.
Step 3: Fill out the claim form
When filing a claim form, be accurate and honest as possible. You can attach copies of the pictures you took to make a strong case.
Step 4: Get an estimate of repair costs from several auto body shops
After filing your auto hail damage claims, the next step is to find a reliable repair shop. Insurance companies might suggest one or two shops that they have worked with in the past. They may also ask you to get 2-3 estimates before making a decision. You can get a free estimate from any reputable auto dent repair company, so focus on shops that offer free estimates.
Step 5: Expect an inspection from the insurance adjuster
The final stage of filing hail damage insurance claims is an inspection from your insurance company. An insurance adjuster checks the vehicle’s damage and decides the amount the owner can claim depending on the assessment. Some adjusters will try to give you the lowest amount possible, but you can usually negotiate here in case you find that it is not enough to cover the damage.
When it comes to hailstorms and its damage, it’s better to be safe than sorry. But worry no more! No matter how significant the losses are, you are not alone in this mess. Get in touch with the experts at Tip Top Auto Hail by calling (303) 868-1270, and see how they can get your vehicle looking as good as new in no time. You can also schedule a free initial inspection to get an estimate!