5 Things To Know Before Filing an Auto Hail Damage Claim
The summer season in the Midwest means warmer weather, green grass, and the start of hail season. Hail can lead to severe damage to your car’s exterior and windshield, leading to costly repairs.
Our explainer breaks down the vital things you should know before filing an auto hail damage claim.
#1 Don’t Wait
When discovering hail damage on your vehicle, the last thing you want to do is take your time filing a claim. The first call you make should be to your insurance company.
Odds are, if your car sustained hail damage, many other vehicles in the area did as well. Your insurance company will probably be inundated with phone calls, and you don’t want to wait on hold all day. Plus, if your car sustains more hail damage the next day, the previous damage would be considered “pre-existing” and not covered.
#2 It’ll Probably Cost More Than You Think
Many people see a few minor dents on their car and think it’s only cosmetic and not a big deal, so what’s the point of filing a claim? The average repair costs for even light hail damage are around $5,000. For more extensive damage, it can rise to $8,000 or more!
Think of the damage as a loss of value on your car, one of your best assets. Not getting it repaired is like losing $5,000 from your bank account.
#3 The Choice is Yours
When you start your claim, your insurance company will likely provide a preferred list of vendors for you to get repairs. But this list is by no means obligatory! You’re allowed to choose whichever auto shop or collision repair shop you want.
If you need hail damage repair in Chicago, you don’t need to wait for permission from your insurance company to visit River North Collision Repair!
#4 It’s Not Your Fault
One of the most important things to know before filing an auto hail damage claim is that it’s not your fault. Insurance categorizes hail damage as a no-fault claim, or “Act of God.”
What does this mean for you? It means your premiums won’t go up after you file because it wasn’t your fault. If there’s extensive damage to many cars in the area, there may be a premium increase, but it would be for all drivers, whether you filed a claim or not.
#5 Beware the Initial Estimate
After contacting the insurance company, they will have an appraiser make an initial estimate on the damage. You should be there for this appraisal and keep in mind that rarely are the initial estimates comprehensive.
On average, initial estimates consistently undervalue the damage, which could lead you to pay a hefty chunk of the cost yourself. Don’t just accept their initial assessment; seek a second opinion and more thorough examination.
