The term hail doesn’t conjure the same kind of primal emotions as tornadoes in the Midwest or hurricanes in along the Atlantic coast. Yet, it boasts a staggering level of destructive power that runs into the billions annually.
Much like other extreme weather events, hail takes a toll on public and private property alike. It’s especially hard on vehicles that often sit out exposed to the weather. Get a bad hail storm and you can find yourself looking for automotive hail repair services.
What you might find yourself wondering about is whether your car has hail insurance coverage or not.
Hail Coverage
The question of whether you enjoy hail coverage for your vehicle isn’t a yes/no kind of question. Standard liability coverage, for example, provides no coverage at all for weather-related damage from hail or any other weather event. It exists solely for settling things if you get into an accident.
If you shell out for a comprehensive auto insurance policy, however, it’s sometimes a different matter. Most comprehensive policies include coverage for weather-related damage.
So, let’s say a severe storm rolls through. During the storm, hail lands on your car and damages your hood. Odds are good your policy covers it.
Coverage Limitations
Insurance policies come with a number of limitations. The deductible is the limitation most people recognize. In layman’s terms, the deductible is the amount you say you’ll pay toward any repairs.
The insurance company deducts that amount from any payment they give you or a garage toward repairs.
Other common limitations on comprehensive policies include and age and condition. The older your vehicle gets and the more mileage on it, the less the vehicle is worth.
If the total claim exceeds the value of the car, the insurance company totals the car and pays you fair market value for it.
Dealing with Hail Damage
Assuming your claim doesn’t exceed the value of the car, how do you deal with the damage? If the damage is comparatively minor, you may simply need a new paint job or replacement windows.
Extensive dents may require a garage to repair the dents or replace parts. You can also seek out the services of a hail damage repair specialist.
Vintage vehicles owners often struggle with sourcing parts. So a repair specialist may prove your only viable option if a vintage vehicle suffers hail damage.
Parting Thoughts on Hail Insurance
Different kinds of policies take different stances on hail insurance. Straight liability policies won’t provide you any coverage for damage from weather events.
Comprehensive policies will often provide coverage for weather damage, but impose limitations. If the repairs cost too much or the damage proves too extensive, the insurance company may cut its losses and total the vehicle.
If they do pay for repairs, you’ll probably need either a garage or hail damage specialist to fix your vehicle.
Colorado Hail Solutions specializes in automobile hail damage repair. For more information about our hail repair services or to book an appointment, contact Colorado Hail Solutions today.
