What to Do When Your Car Is Damaged by Hail?
2 Answers
Here are the relevant steps to take after your car is damaged by hail: 1. Find the insurance policy: Do not move the vehicle. Locate the vehicle insurance policy to check if you have purchased auto damage insurance. If the car is within the insurance period, you need to report the incident to the insurance company within 24 hours. 2. Weather proof: Unlike other auto insurance claims, many insurance companies require the car owner to provide a weather proof for hail damage. Therefore, it is best for the car owner to obtain a weather proof in advance or keep relevant media reports as evidence for the claim. 3. Authorized repair: Take the car to an authorized repair shop or a 4S store for repairs. The cost will be initially borne by the car owner, and then the insurance company will transfer the amount to the corresponding bank card.
After the car is damaged by hail, park it in a safe place immediately to avoid further damage. I quickly took out my phone to take photos and videos, thoroughly documenting all the dents on the body and cracks in the glass. Then, report the incident to the insurance company, either by calling or using their app, to explain the hail damage. They will send an adjuster to assess the damage—avoid handling it yourself to prevent affecting the claim. From my experience, most comprehensive insurance policies cover hail damage, but it's important to check the deductible. When repairing the car, go to a certified repair shop where they can use dent repair tools or replace parts as needed. The process is straightforward, but waiting for the assessment and repairs can take from a few days to weeks. Use this time to reflect on parking habits; in the future, try to park indoors or use a car cover to prevent recurrence. Safety comes first—driving a damaged car can be dangerous.
