Hailstorms are one of the natural disasters that can cause a lot of damage to your car. The damage can range from minor dents to major structural damage. If you have comprehensive car insurance, you may wonder if hail damage will raise your car insurance rates. In this article, we will explore this question and provide you with some insights on how hail damage affects your car insurance rates.
What is Comprehensive Car Insurance?
Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your car that is not caused by a collision. It covers a wide range of perils, including theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters like hailstorms. It is an optional coverage, but it is recommended if you want to protect your car from unforeseen events.
How Does Hail Damage Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you can file a claim for hail damage. Your insurance company will assess the damage and determine the cost of repairs. If the cost of repairs is less than your deductible, you will have to pay for the repairs out of pocket. If the cost of repairs is more than your deductible, your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs minus your deductible.
When you file a claim for hail damage, your insurance company may raise your rates. This is because filing a claim is an indication that you are a higher risk to insure. Insurance companies use a complex algorithm to determine rates, and a claim can affect your rates for up to three years.
How Can You Avoid Hail Damage?
The best way to avoid hail damage is to park your car in a garage or under a covered area. If you don’t have access to a covered area, you can use a car cover to protect your car from hail. If you are caught in a hailstorm while driving, try to find shelter under a bridge or overpass. Do not park under a tree, as falling branches can cause more damage to your car.
Conclusion
Hail damage can be costly, but if you have comprehensive car insurance, you can file a claim to cover the cost of repairs. However, filing a claim can also raise your car insurance rates. The best way to avoid hail damage is to park your car in a covered area or use a car cover. If you are caught in a hailstorm while driving, try to find shelter under a bridge or overpass.
