Priority Number One: Safety First
The aftermath of a hailstorm can be incredibly stressful. However, the first thing you need to do is ensure that everyone in your home or establishment is safe from harm. If anyone is injured, call for immediate medical assistance.
The Necessary Steps to Filing an Insurance Claim
After ensuring everyone’s safety, documenting the damages helps you present an accurate and detailed insurance claim report. Use your camera to take photos or videos and make notes of the damaged items. However, it is essential to ensure that you do not move anything before documenting the damage.
It is also vital to take measures to prevent further damages. You can place a tarp over damaged roofs or windows, clean up debris from your property, or contact a professional to help handle the damages.
Knowing Your Insurance Policy
When filing a claim, it’s crucial to provide your insurance company with all necessary information, including your policy number, the date and time of the hailstorm, and an accurate description of the damages incurred. Errors made during this process could leave any chance of claiming compensation in jeopardy.
Ensure that you’ve inspected all possible areas of damage and have included everything in your claim. Unfortunately, inexperienced or under-knowledgeable agents can overlook or understate the extent of the damage. Therefore be precise and comprehensive when handling the damages to avoid any complications that could arise, such as claim rejections.
Comprehensive Coverage for Vehicles
Auto insurance policies typically have a comprehensive coverage that helps to cover damages caused by weather events, including hailstorms. This coverage protects your vehicle from hail damage, vandalism, theft, or any other incident other than an auto collision like someone running into you or you running into something.
Hail Damage Repair Coverage
Many homeowners or renters insurance policies include coverage for hail damage. You should read all policy details and deductibles to ensure the claim meets all the requisite requirements. Many homeowners’ policy coverages are written to limit the amount that is covered for hail damage to roofs.
The Importance of a Precise Claim
One example of the consequence of inadequate documentation and claim filing is that of a customer mentioning damage to only a car’s windows following a hailstorm. The damages are significant, but the customer chose to report only those damages. As a result, the insurance company rejected the claim since it did not contain all the damages incurred.
Closing Thoughts
Filing insurance claims for hailstorm damages can be time-consuming and challenging. However, prioritizing safety, documenting all damages, reporting all damages, and being aware of your insurance policy and coverage limitations ensures that you recover as fast as possible.
Working hand in hand with a licensed insurance agent or company can further guide you on how to file a successful claim. If you have any questions or need additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our professional team, headquartered in Dixon, IL, is dedicated to helping you through the claims process and providing valuable insights on all aspects of the insurance industry.
If you still have any questions or would like our team to review your policies, connect with us today!
