Hail Damage and Your Automobile

One of the most frustrating sources of automobile damage is the hailstorm. Hail may be smaller than pea-sized or may be larger than a golf ball. In 1998, one city in Illinois saw hail with a 4.5-inch diameter! Although smaller bits of hail are more common, even marble-sized hail can leave your car looked pock-marked and damaged.

Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

There’s a good chance that your insurance covers the repair costs of hail damage, depending on the type of coverage you have. Comprehensive coverage offers protection from environmental hazards and other non-crash related problems. However, the cost of repairs may not exceed your deductible. If this is the case, you may have to pay for the repairs yourself. Liability policies probably don’t cover repair costs. Fortunately, hail damage repair lakewood co professionals can help you work through the insurance claim.

Should You Pay Out of Pocket?

Paying for the repairs of hail damage may not take too large a chunk out of your budget. As you research the possibility of insurance coverage, take the following steps:

• Take a lot of pictures of your car and the damage. Take wide shots to show the extent of the damage and close-up shots with items for comparison to show the severity of the damage.
• Contact the insurance company and give your agent an idea of how bad the damage was. You may receive paperwork through the mail or online.
• Get an estimate from auto body professionals with hail damage experience.
• Determine the importance of having the car repaired. If you are still paying for the auto, you may be required by the loan holder to maintain the value and appearance of the vehicle.

After completing these steps, you may want to look for ways to avoid hail damage in the future. Look for covered parking areas, pull over if you’re driving, or cover your automobile with towels or blankets during a storm.