Hail can fall from the skies as fast as 40 miles per hour. For cars parked outside during a hail storm, that’s some seriously bad news.
This is why car owners want to know whether their car insurance coverage extends to hail damage. While it’s not the most common form of damage you’d expect, it can tear up a car nonetheless.
But what types of insurance covers hail damage? What should you do before and after a hail storm ruins your car?
Those are a few of the questions we’ll be answering today. Read on to find out more about hail damage car insurance coverage.
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When Does Car Insurance Coverage Extend to Hail Damage?
Whether or not your insurance covers hail damage might come down to the type of coverage you own. Comprehensive coverage generally extends to hail damage, hence its name.
A liability-only policy, on the other hand, might not cover hail damage. While no state requires comprehensive coverage, it’s generally recommended by many insurers.
If you own an expensive car that’s less than 10 years old, comprehensive car insurance thus becomes highly recommended.
What Is Comprehensive Insurance?
If you’ve never heard of comprehensive insurance coverage, here’s a quick breakdown.
It’s essentially a policy that covers damages to your car caused by events not related to a crash. That means things like theft, natural disasters, vandalism, and hail are considered.
This type of coverage provides peace of mind when you leave your car outside or unattended. They often have high deductibles.
Where You Live Matters
When considering hail damage to your car, your location is one of the biggest factors. It goes without saying that some places in the United States experience more hail than others.
Many states in the midwest and southwest are prone to experiencing heavy hail storms. If you live in these areas, being covered for hail is a huge plus.
If you don’t live in those areas, it’s still a good idea to be insured just in case.
Protecting Your Car From Hail Damage
One great way to weather the cost of a hail-damaged car is to avoid any damage at all. This is easier said than done, but precautions can certainly be taken to avoid this headache altogether.
Storing your car in a garage at all times is helpful, but might not be feasible for tenants. A car cover, in that case, will help, especially if you travel a lot in your car.
Don’t forget to always look at your weather app and other forecasts to be ready when a hail storm is near.
In the event of a hail storm damaging your unprotected car, you need to reach out to an auto body shop that offers hail damage repair, such as the one at www.vividautobody.com/service-areas/allen-hail-dent-repair/.
File a Car Insurance Claim After a Hail Storm
Hail storms can do some serious damage to your car, no doubt, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit there and take it. Use this article to understand car insurance coverage for hail storm damage and take the right steps today.
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