Don’t Get Pelted with Costly Hail and Storm Damage.

What to know about filing an insurance claim when your vehicle is dented by hail:

Spring is finally here! It’s not just a season for new beginnings, longer days, and warmer temperatures; it’s also officially storm season – and for drivers, that can mean costly hail damage.

If you don’t have a garage, it’s a good idea to cover your car with moving blankets or other protective coverings when severe storms and hail are forecast – but even the most cautious motorist can get caught in a wind or hailstorm. Hail can leave unsightly dimples all over the hood and roof. Larger hail can bust out windows and, in some cases, even total a car.

Fortunately, comprehensive auto insurance policies are designed for such instances. But what do you need to know to initiate and expedite a claim?

What to Know Before You File a Hail Damage Claim Against Your Auto Insurance

1. Know when to file a claim. If damage is lower than your insurance deductible, you’ll want to pay for repairs out-of-pocket. However, if repair costs exceed your deductible you’ll want to file a claim.

2. Review your policy. Familiarize yourself with policy details to ensure that cosmetic hail damage (auto body damage, cracked windows) is covered. You’ll also want to know whether your policy will cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop.

3. Document the details. As with most insurance claims, details and documentation can simplify the process and speed your reimbursement. Note the date of the hail incident and any other noteworthy details – time of day, location of incident, etc. Take pictures and/or videos of the damage from multiple perspectives.

4. File a claim. You can do this by reaching out to your licensed insurance agent and requesting to file a hail damage claim. You can also initiative a claim online or through your insurance provider’s mobile app. (Have your policy number handy.)

5. Understand the process. While your documentation is crucial, you should expect your insurance provider to send their own licensed adjuster to inspect your damage firsthand. He or she will not only look to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for repairing your vehicle, but they’ll also confirm that the damage is a result of hail. The adjuster should not ask you to sign anything or accept any offers – your licensed insurance provider will serve as your advocate to the insurance adjuster.

6. Plan to get several repair estimates. Your insurance provider may require up to three estimates for hail damage repairs, so you’ll want to get estimates for local auto repair shops you know and trust. Based on estimates, they may offer compensation to match the lowest estimate – you’ll pay the difference out of pocket if you opt to go with a more expensive auto repair shop.

Storms are an unavoidable sign of spring, and hail can cause unsightly auto body damage in mere minutes. Remember this is exactly why you pay for car insurance. Stay calm, try to be patient, and communicate with your licensed insurance agent to help you navigate the claims process and collect on resulting hail repair claims.

It’s important to work with a licensed insurance provider you trust all year round – especially following a storm or other claims incident.

Have questions about filing a claim for hail damage? The experts at AutoRate.com are here to help you find the coverage that’s best for you.