Hail Damage: Is It Covered by Your Auto Insurance?

If you’re a Kansas City resident, you know how temperamental Midwest weather can be. One moment it’s sunny; the next, hail is pounding down, leaving a trail of destruction behind. Recently, the Kansas City area saw a series of hailstorms, and unfortunately, many car owners were left with dented hoods, shattered windshields, or worse.

This brings up a critical question for vehicle owners all over Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas does auto insurance cover hail damage? And what can you do to safeguard your car against unpredictable weather?

Does Auto Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

The type of insurance coverage you have determines whether hail damage is covered. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Comprehensive insurance is your best friend when it comes to hail damage. This type of coverage is specifically designed to handle damages caused by unforeseen events like hail, theft, vandalism, or falling objects. If you have comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance plan, your hail-damaged car will likely be covered.
• Liability insurance, however, will not cover hail damage. Liability coverage only protects you financially if you cause damage to another person’s vehicle or property. It does nothing to address damages your own car sustains from natural events like hail.

If you carry liability insurance alone, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for hail damage repairs or explore other potential solutions, which we’ll discuss later.

How to Protect Your Car Against Hail Damage

Prevention is better than cure, and when it comes to hail, there are simple ways to protect your car and avoid costly repairs:

• Park in a garage or carport. If hail is on the radar, park your car in an enclosed space to shield it from the storm.
• Use car covers. Invest in a hail-resistant car cover or pad designed to cushion the impact of hailstones. This is a great option if you don’t have access to indoor parking.
• Stay informed. Use weather tracking apps to stay ahead of any storm warnings in Kansas City or surrounding areas. This way, you can plan to move your car to safety before hail starts falling.

What to Do If You Only Have Liability Insurance

If you’re carrying only liability insurance and your car is damaged by hail, don’t lose hope! Here are a few actionable steps to consider:

1. Get a damage assessment. Reach out to local auto body shops in the Kansas City, Missouri, or Kansas area to assess the extent of the damage and receive repair estimates.
2. Explore payment plans. Some repair shops offer financing options, allowing you to spread the cost of repairs over time.
3. Check for assistance programs. Depending on the severity of storms in your area, there might be local disaster relief or financial aid programs to help cover costs.
4. Consider upgrading your insurance plan. While liability insurance might be the cheapest option upfront, storms like the recent hailstorms in Kansas City show that comprehensive coverage can save you significant money in the long run.

What to Do After Filing a Hail Damage Claim

If your car suffers hail damage and you have comprehensive coverage, here are the steps to file a claim:

1. Document the damage. Take photos and videos of the affected areas of your car.
2. Contact your insurance provider. Report the incident as soon as possible and provide the necessary details, including the date and time of the hailstorm.
3. Work with an approved repair shop. Many insurance companies have a network of qualified repair shops that can handle the required fixes efficiently.
4. Pay your deductible. If your policy includes a deductible, you’ll need to pay that amount before repairs are covered.
5. Stay patient. High hailstorm activity often leads to a spike in claims, resulting in longer processing times. Keep in close contact with your insurer throughout the process.

How Bargain Insurance Connection Can Help

Navigating auto insurance policies can be tricky, but that’s where we come in. At Bargain Insurance Connection, we specialize in helping drivers in Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas secure the best auto insurance plan for their specific needs. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to comprehensive coverage or simply need guidance on your existing policy, our team of experts is here to help.

Don’t wait until the next storm hits. Call us today to find the right insurance plan to protect your car and your peace of mind. Visit us online or stop by our Kansas City office to get started.

Stay ahead of the storm with Bargain Insurance Connection. We’ve got you covered!

Read More:

Cracked Windshields: Does Your Insurance Cover That?

Is Weather-Related Car Accident Considered At Fault in Missouri?