Hail storms are a violent natural weather phenomenon that occurs all over the world. In the US, damage from hail is estimated to be over 22 billion each year. Whether as small as tiny teardrops or fist-sized, these pieces of frozen precipitation falling from the sky wracks havoc on homes and properties everywhere. Read on to learn some valuable tips to prevent and worst-case scenario -repair the damage done to your vehicle caused by hail.
Heed the Weather Forecast and Take Cover
While this tip may sound obvious many people mistakenly dismiss this weather forecast as an improbability. The saying, “better safe than sorry, applies here. Missing the opportunity to properly prepare and shield your valuable vehicle from an impending hail storm threat can cause severe consequences down the line. If you’re fortunate to have a garage, now is the time to ensure your car is safely parked there. Otherwise, a thick tarp or car cover should work fine. If you happen to be driving when it occurs, seek shelter as quickly as possible.
Access the Damage
If you were caught off guard and your vehicle suffered hail damage do an assessment. Is it severe enough to call your insurance company to pay for repairs? If it was a powerful hail storm and your car is heavily dented, your windshield cracked, or your lights are smashed, you’re in danger of driving recklessly. In addition, the value of your vehicle is at stake. In that case, it is essential to begin the process of repairing the damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company right away to make sure you are protected. This type of coverage is referred to as comprehensive coverage. If a large area were affected by the storm, your insurance company would be hectic helping others, so it’s a good idea to call them without delay.
Take Your Vehicle to a Proper Auto Body Repair Shop
All auto repair shops are not created equal. Some businesses specialize in repairing the mechanical components of the vehicle, such as the engine. Others, such as auto body repair shops, specialize in fixing the actual body: bumpers, frames, windows, and doors. If you’re searching for hail damage repair Denver CO make sure to inquire about their level of experience in this area.
Pick up a Rental Car
You’ll need a vehicle to drive while yours is being repaired. If you have proper coverage, your insurance company will pick up the cost.
As you can see, if you plan for inclement weather, chances are you won’t have to worry about damage, but if it occurs, you’ll have a plan.
