Since 2017, close to 2.8 million people have experienced damaged properties and vehicles due to hail storm. Insurances have been claimed under the personal auto claims mostly. The personal auto claims have accounted for 3 quarters of a million in total. This is just second to house damage claims, according to the reports based on the analysis from Jan. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2019.
Hail has also been a cause of concern for people other than the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The month of May sees the increase in these claims followed by the month of June. If one is living in an area that is at high risk of hail, it is always best to opt for covered parking.
Especially in these coming months get a place to shelter the vehicles like a local mall’s parking garage. In case nothing of this is possible, then cover the car with blankets and covers designed specifically for hail storm or strong wind rescue purposes.
In Texas the hail loss claims accounted to 23%, Colorado- 14%, Nebraska- 6%, Minnesota- 5% and Illinois- 5%. The top cities where hail caused most damage are Texas, Colorado, Dallas and McKinney, Colorado Springs and Denver. Luckily there are auto hail repair services in regions of Texas that have become a major relief for many.
But these hail storms also act as an opportunity for fake repairers who set up shops only to amount an increase in post-storm repair scams. Thus it is mandatory to always check with the insurance company or the agent before signing any documents presented by a contractor who approaches the damaged house/car.
Take advice before signing any contract and always get more than 1 estimate. It is better to see someone who has been referred by personal relations or insurance companies. The contractor’s license can be checked while also noting down their license number and vehicle plate.