What to do if Your Vehicle Has Hail Damage

Marshfield Insurance Shares What to Do After Vehicle Hail Damage

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – If your vehicle has suffered hail damage, there are several steps you should take to assess the damage and get it repaired.

“If your vehicle got hit by the hail today, we’re here to help,” said Nick Arnoldy Owner/Broker at Marshfield Insurance.

Here’s a general guide on what to do:

1. Safety First:
   • Ensure your safety. If the hailstorm is ongoing, stay indoors or find shelter.
   • If you’re driving during a hailstorm, pull over to a safe location, preferably under an overpass or in a garage if available.
2. Assess the Damage:
   • Wait until the storm has passed, and it’s safe to inspect your vehicle.
   • Examine your vehicle for hail damage. Look for dents, cracks, and broken glass on the windshield, windows, and lights.
3. Document the Damage:
   • Take photos of the damage from multiple angles. These photos will be useful for insurance claims and repair estimates.
4. Get an Estimate:
   • Your insurance company may want you to get an estimate from a trusted repair shop. Some insurance companies have preferred or recommended repair shops.
   • Get multiple estimates if you can to ensure a fair assessment of the damage.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company:
   • Contact your auto insurance company as soon as possible to report the hail damage.
   • Provide the photos and any other necessary information they request.
6. Understand Your Coverage:
   • Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage for hail damage.
7. File a Claim:
   • If the damage is substantial and covered by your policy, file a claim with your insurance company following their specific process.
8. Temporary Repairs:
   • If necessary, consider temporary repairs to prevent further damage, such as covering broken windows with plastic or tape.
9. Choose a Repair Shop:
   • Based on the estimates and your insurance company’s recommendations, select a reputable repair shop to fix the hail damage.
10. Repair Process:
    • Once you’ve chosen a repair shop, they will work with your insurance company to get approval for the repairs.
    • Be prepared to leave your vehicle at the shop for the necessary repairs, which may take some time depending on the extent of the damage.
11. Pay Your Deductible:
    • You’ll likely need to pay your insurance deductible before the insurance company covers the remaining repair costs.
12. Complete the Repairs:
    • The repair shop will begin the work and restore your vehicle to its pre-damage condition.
13. Vehicle Pickup:
    • Once the repairs are complete, inspect your vehicle to ensure the work has been done to your satisfaction.

Remember to follow your insurance company’s guidelines and procedures when dealing with hail damage. While it can be frustrating to deal with such damage, insurance is there to help you recover and get your vehicle back in good condition.

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