Automobile Hail Damage? What to Do & How to Get Covered!

Hailstorms in Edmonton and Sherwood Park can be a real problem for car owners which can cause automobile hail damage. The sound of hail hitting your car is never good and often leads to damage. If hail has damaged your car, you know how frustrating it is to see all those dents. However, there’s no need to worry! Reliant Insurance Brokers is here to help. We’ll explain what to do and how our comprehensive personal liability insurance can cover the costs of fixing your hail-affected cars.

At Reliant Insurance Brokers, we help people in Edmonton and Sherwood Park. We know how stressful automobile hail damage can be, so we want to give you the information you need to handle this situation and feel secure.

 

Right After Hail Damage: What You Need to Do

As soon as the hailstorm stops, take these steps to show the automobile hail damage:

• Check the Damage: Look closely at your car for dents, cracks in the windows or lights, and any other damage from the hail. Take pictures and videos to keep as proof.
• Stay Safe: If your windshield is badly damaged, don’t drive the car until it’s been fixed or checked by a professional.
• Call Reliant Insurance Brokers: Contact us immediately to tell us about the damage. Our Edmonton and Sherwood Park team will help you with the insurance claim.
• Hold Off on Fixing: Don’t make any repairs before your insurance company examines the damage unless it’s a safety issue (like a broken windshield).

How Comprehensive Insurance Helps Cars Damaged by Hail

Comprehensive coverage is part of many car insurance plans. It helps pay for damage to your car that isn’t from an accident, like hail damage. Here’s how it helps with hail-affected cars:

• Pays for Repairs: Your comprehensive insurance can help cover the cost of fixing the dents and other hail damage. The process might involve paintless dent repair (PDR) for minor dents or require more extensive work for significant dents.
• Pays for Replacement: If the automobile hail damage is terrible and the repairs cost more than the car is worth, your insurance might pay to replace your car (after you pay your deductible).
• Your Deductible: Remember that you’ll likely have a deductible. The amount you pay before your insurance covers the rest is the deductible. Your deductible amount impacts how much you pay for your insurance each month.

What the Experts Say About Hail in Alberta

Like many parts of Canada, Alberta is experiencing more frequent and intense severe weather events, including hailstorms. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) highlights these events’ significant impact on insurance claims and the economy. They emphasize the importance of understanding the risks associated with severe weather and insurance’s role in recovery. You can find general information about severe weather and its impact on insurance in Canada on the IBC website.

Source: IBC

It highlights the importance of having comprehensive coverage, especially for those living in areas like Edmonton and Sherwood Park, where hailstorms are common.

Other Things to Think About:

• Act Fast: The sooner you report the damage, the quicker the claim process can start.
• Keep Records: Keep good notes of all your talks with the insurance company and any repair shops.
• Know Your Policy: Make sure to review your insurance policy so you can clearly understand your comprehensive coverage and deductible amount.
• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a common and often cheap way to fix small automobile hail damage without repainting the car.
• Car Value: While insurance pays for repairs, bad hail damage might lower the value of your car if you decide to sell it later.

FAQ’s About Car Hail Damage and Insurance:

Q: Does my basic car insurance cover automobile hail damage?
A: Basic car insurance usually doesn’t cover damage from natural events like hail. You need comprehensive coverage for that.

Q: Will my insurance go up if I file a claim for hail damage?
A: Usually, when filing a claim for automobile hail damage, It is believed that certain factors, which may seem beyond your control, do not necessarily lead to an increase in your insurance rates. However, your overall insurance history and other things can affect your rates. It’s best to talk to your Reliant Insurance Broker about this.

Q: What if my car is still being paid off or is leased and gets damaged by hail?
A: If you’re still paying for your car or leasing it, you probably have to have comprehensive insurance. You’ll still go through the same claim process, and the insurance money will likely go to the bank or leasing company first to cover what you still owe.

Q: How much time do I have to claim hail-affected cars?
A: While your policy usually has a specific time limit, filing your claim immediately after the automobile hail damage happens is always best. Contact Reliant Insurance Brokers in Edmonton or Sherwood Park for particular advice.

Q: Can I choose where my hail-affected cars get fixed?
A: Yes, you can usually pick the repair shop you want. Reliant Insurance Brokers can suggest good repair shops in the Edmonton and Sherwood Park areas.

 

In Conclusion: Protecting Your Car from Hail with Reliant Insurance

Don’t let the worry of automobile hail damage stress you out. With comprehensive personal liability insurance from Reliant Insurance Brokers, you can feel secure knowing your car is protected. Our friendly team in Edmonton and Sherwood Park is here to help you understand your insurance options and guide you through the claim process if your car ever gets hit by hail. Contact Reliant Insurance Brokers today for a free quote and ensure your car is ready for any weather Alberta brings!

 

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