What to Do if Your Car or Home has Hail Damage

Hail Claims Are Time Sensitive

The impacts of a major storm on Home and Car insurance in Alberta

Southern Alberta is a hotspot for hailstorms in the spring and summer with Calgary being one of the hardest-hit cities in the region of the province. The destructive hailstorm on June 13, 2020, is a prime example, projected to cost insurance companies upwards of $1 billion. The event could also land on Canada’s Top 5 Weather Disaster list by industry-wide losses. Calgary’s sky-high storm costs compare to Airdrie, Alberta’s ruinous 2014 weather that cost more than $500 million.

As an Albertan, we expect fiery hail and windstorms every year that start in June and run throughout August. But not everyone knows how destructive these events are and how they impact their insurance policies and premiums. What to do, for example, if you’re struck by hail or windstorms regularly. So it is better to know all about Car insurance in Alberta.

If you’re in Calgary, remember to get in touch with our Calgary Car Insurance broker. Hail damage, whether from a hailstorm, break-in, rock chip, or other incidents, is covered by this insurance, helping you cover the costs of repairing or replacing the damage.

Consumers and Insurers slammed by a rise in weather event costs in Canada

Hail has pounded every province and territory of Canada over many years; the costs of the severe weather events are on the upswing. The peril has wreaked havoc before this month’s event, but not to the detriment of the last decade, specifically the last few years when hail claims rose substantially.

According to the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, hail, water, and wind damage cost more than $1.66 billion in insured losses in Alberta for events dated 2010, 2012, and 2014.

For Calgary residents seeking home insurance, make sure to connect with our Calgary Home Insurance broker. Severe thunderstorms, intensified by climate change and urban density, pose a significant threat, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive coverage for your home.

How do Hailstorms Impact My Insurance Policy?

If you were one of 20,000 homeowners hit with significant damage to your home’s siding, or roof; or your car was totalled or smashed by Calgary’s recent storm, there are steps you can take to recover your losses.

Sharp Insurance’s broker Daniel Wahba talks about three major areas of interest to help with your hail damage:

What does hail damage coverage cover for your home?

- Anything that’s banged up by the hail will be covered by your insurance policy. You may be subject to different deductibles based on how your policy is set-up, but you do have coverage in the event that your siding is destroyed, your stucco, your asphalt, shingles, windows. There is coverage for everything.

What If I take a Cash Settlement?

- Any time you make a claim, you have the option of taking a cash settlement. A cash settlement can be beneficial for you if you work for a preferred contractor or have a friend who does this type of work. In order to maintain your coverage, you need to get the repairs done, and send proof of completion over to your insurance company. If you hire someone off the street to do the repairs and they don’t provide you with an invoice, there is no way of proving that the repairs were completed. So, it’s okay to take a cash settlement – but make sure you have proof of repairs.

Will my premium increase after this Hail Damage claim?

- Yes, it’s possible that your premium will increase after you make a hail claim. Every time you make a claim, it’s factored into the renewal the following year. If you haven’t had a claim for an extended period, you may have protection against the claim. That said, if you live in an area that’s prone to claims, you may see an increase based on just living in an area with a high number of claims. Every policy is a little bit different – you may see an increase; you may see a decrease. But, if you haven’t had claims in a very long time, it’s very likely that the claim will be protected.

How long to Claim Hail Damage on Car

When it comes to filing a hail damage claim, timing is everything. Most insurers give you a window of 30 days to one year after the hail event to submit your claim. This period is vital because if you wait too long, you risk having your claim denied, especially if more damage occurs due to the delay.

At Sharp Insurance, we understand the urgency of getting your car repaired quickly after hail damage. Filing your claim promptly is crucial. The sooner you file, the smoother the process will be, helping to avoid complications and ensuring you meet all deadlines.

Don’t let delays cast doubt on the cause of the damage. When claims are filed late, insurers may question when and how the damage happened, making the process more challenging. By acting quickly, you protect yourself from these doubts and keep your claim process straightforward.

Timely action is in your best interest. It helps prevent your claim from being denied due to late reporting, allowing you to get your car repaired without unnecessary hold-ups. So, don’t wait—file your hail damage claim as soon as possible to ensure a hassle-free experience.

Understanding Hail Damage Coverage for Your Condo:

Hail damage coverage for your condo insurance is essential protection against the unpredictable effects of hailstorms. It includes repairs or replacements for damaged property, ensuring your condo is restored to its pre-damage condition. Sharp Insurance offers comprehensive condo insurance policies that include hail damage coverage, helping you safeguard your condo from unexpected weather-related damages

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Understanding Hail Damage Coverage for Tenants:

Hail damage coverage for tenants, often included in renters’ insurance, offers protection against the potential havoc wreaked by hailstorms. This coverage typically encompasses the repair or replacement of personal belongings damaged by hail, such as vehicles, outdoor equipment, and personal property within your rental unit. It can also extend to cover temporary living expenses if your rented residence becomes uninhabitable due to hail damage. With hail damage coverage in your tenant insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are shielded from the unpredictable forces of nature. Contact Sharp Insurance to explore tenant insurance options available in various locations, ensuring you have the coverage you need to safeguard your property and possessions.

What are My Next Steps after Hail Damage Claiming?

It’s always a good idea to reach out to your insurance company or brokerage to see what your insurance policy covers before you schedule any repair work to your home or auto. Your auto insurance provider may have 24-7 service, so call immediately after you spot dents or dings to either your home or vehicle. If there is a storm, wait until it’s safe to go outside and check your home or car for deterioration.

What Preventative Measures can I Take to Lessen the Impact of a Storm?

Hail and windstorms will put an enormous dent in your wallet if you don’t have the proper insurance coverage. But what can you do to prevent damage before it’s too late?

Our next blog will cover preventative measures to protect your car and home before a storm. Learn tips and tricks from insurance industry experts. Be better prepared ahead of the next storm. It’s a matter of when, and not if, the next hail and windstorm will happen. You’ll be thankful that you prepared for the worst before the skies turn grey and daunting.

In conclusion, if your home has hail damage, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure the safety and integrity of your property. Contacting your insurance company is essential to understand the coverage and file a claim promptly. Additionally, it is advisable to research and compare home insurance policies to find the best coverage suitable for your needs and budget, considering factors such as the average home insurance cost in Toronto.