What To Do If Your Automobile Is Damaged By A Hail Storm
If your automobile has been damaged by a hail storm call your insurance agent and report the claim. Your agent will set up a claim file that will include your claim number, the name of the adjuster assigned to your claim and their contact information.
After large storms, it is not uncommon for your claim to be assigned to a Catastrophic Claim Team. They will inform you of the method to have your car repaired. If you ever lose track of where your claim is in the repair process, don’t hesitate to contact your agent. They will be able to point you in the right direction.
Get A Hail Damage Repair Estimate
Hail storm damage is considered a Comprehensive or Other Than Collision coverage so that deductible will apply. The proper deductible amount can be provided by your agent or the claims adjuster.
Get an estimate for the repair of your vehicle. Depending on the insurance company, they might have a list of preferred repair shops for you to choose from. You will receive a free estimate of the cost to repair your car. Under certain circumstances, the repair estimate/settlement check will not match up with the exact repair cost invoice. This difference will be worked out between the insurance company adjuster and the repair shop.
If your vehicle is an older model or has high mileage, be prepared for the vehicle to be declared a total loss.
So Your Car has been Totaled Now What? is a great place to get more information on the topic.
Hail Loss Damage Can Be Expensive
Hail losses are not inexpensive repairs. The total amount usually reaches an average of $3,000 to $4,000 depending on the make and model of the vehicle. If it was a large storm that damaged your vehicle the repair work might take longer than anticipated due to the large volume of vehicles that need repairs.
Most insurance companies and auto body repair shops will guarantee their repair work. If any additional damage is found after the repair is completed the claim can be reopened and the repair will be made on a supplemental basis. We hope this helps if your automobile is damaged by a hail storm.