Can Auto Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
1 Answers
If a vehicle is damaged by hail and has purchased vehicle damage insurance, the owner can file a claim for compensation. Although hail is a natural disaster, it differs from earthquakes and tsunamis. It is a localized disaster not explicitly excluded in insurance contracts, so insurance companies will provide compensation. Below are more relevant details: Notes: 1. Report the incident within 24 hours. After discovering hail damage, the owner should report it to the insurance company within 24 hours; otherwise, the insurer may refuse compensation. However, policies vary among insurers, and larger companies, prioritizing their reputation, may be more lenient with the timeframe. 2. Obtain a weather certificate. When filing a hail damage claim, prepare a weather certificate, such as a hail notice from the meteorological department or local newspaper reports about the hail on the day or the following day. This certificate is necessary for the insurer to process the claim. 3. Document the damage with photos. After hail damage occurs, take photos immediately to preserve evidence, as moving the vehicle or melting hail could complicate matters. Take multiple photos from different angles and keep them securely. 4. Do not move the vehicle or clean up fallen hail. Avoid moving the vehicle or removing hail debris, as this could make it difficult for the insurer to assess the damage and affect evidence collection. 5. Prepare necessary documents. After reporting the claim, the policyholder should have the vehicle owner's ID, original driver's license, original insurance policy, and bank card ready for easy access when needed. Once the damage is assessed, proceed to a repair shop. After the insurer documents the damage, the vehicle can be taken to a nearby repair facility for servicing.
