What to Do When Your Car Is Damaged by Hail?
2 Answers
Do not move the vehicle. Locate the vehicle insurance policy to check if it includes collision coverage. If the car is within the insurance period, you must report the claim to the insurance company within 24 hours. Unlike other auto insurance claims, many insurance companies require the car owner to provide a weather certificate for hail damage. Take the car to an authorized repair facility or a 4S shop for repairs. The owner must pay the cost upfront, and the insurance company will then transfer the reimbursement to the corresponding bank card.
I also encountered hail damage to my car a couple of years ago, with the windshield covered in spider-web cracks. The first thing I did was to move the car to an indoor parking lot to prevent further damage. Remember to use your phone to take comprehensive photos of the hail size and detailed damage to the car, especially close-ups of dents on the sunroof and hood. Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours, and make sure to accompany the adjuster during the on-site inspection to explain the situation. If you opt for paintless dent repair, small dents can be popped out effectively, but extensive damage will still require panel beating and repainting. My neighbor regretted not filing a claim due to the cost, only to find the roof rusting later. Before the rainy season, it's best to cover your car with a thick car cover, which can be bought for just a few dozen yuan at wholesale markets.
