In most situations, auto insurance plans cover hail damage. Hail, which can vary in size, can cause significant damage to the exterior of a car. It can damage glass and create dents.

In a severe hailstorm, you may notice your vehicle has pot-marks on it. It’s important to let your car insurance agent know about this type of damage. Often, your policy may cover this type of damage.

What Type of Auto Insurance Do You Have?

To know whether your car insurance policy covers hail damage, you need to know the type of policy you have.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, this type of damage is likely covered. Hailstones can range from golf-ball sized to pebble-size. In either case, they can create enough damage to warrant calling your insurer to file a claim. Before you can do that, there are a few things you need to know.

• When did the hailstorm occur? You may have a limit of one year (or less) according to your policy terms, to file the claim.
• Was the hailstorm documented? Insurers track conditions to determine the likelihood that the damage was hail-related. If a hailstorm did not occur in the area or was not tracked, your claim may not go through.
• How much coverage do you have? Depending on the cost of the damage, your policy will cover up to a specific, listed dollar amount.

The damage covered depends on the policy. In most cases, damage to the roof, windshield, or even engine, can occur. Each year, hail causes more than $1 billion worth of property damage occurs in the United States. If you have this hail damage, even if it is cosmetic dings, contact your auto insurance provider.

Your insurer will walk you through the process of filing a claim. He or she may need to see evidence of the damage. The auto insurer is likely to request repair estimates from professionals. It will then determine if your current policy covers the damage you’ve sustained.

Work closely with your car insurance provider to find out if you have coverage for the type of damage you have. Hail can cause significant trouble and reduce the value of your car as a result. That doesn’t have to happen with the right auto insurance in place.