Preparing for Hail Damage in Siouxland
As Siouxland enters severe weather season, residents are reminded to prepare for potential hail damage to their vehicles and properties. According to AAA, an average of 245,000 auto insurance claims are filed annually for hail damage, which can strain local auto body shops like Sioux Auto Body.
“All of a sudden, you have 100 people that want their car fixed, so scheduling becomes difficult,” said Costa Tsiobanos, manager of Sioux Auto Body. To mitigate this, Jake Goodin from Goodin Insurance advises vehicle owners to file claims as soon as possible after hail damage occurs.
“If you experience any type of damage, the first thing to do is take some photos or videos, and then contact your insurance agent to set up a claim,” Goodin explained. The coverage of hail damage repairs depends on the type of insurance policy held. Liability coverage does not cover hail damage, but comprehensive coverage does. “It’s considered ‘everything but collision’ coverage, so if you had a tree limb fall on your vehicle or experienced a hailstorm, that would be covered,” Goodin clarified.
Typically, people wait to receive the insurance check before proceeding with repairs. “That way, they can ensure they’re paid in full. If they pay the shop upfront, they might face challenges collecting money from the insurance company,” Tsiobanos noted.
Filing a claim can potentially increase insurance premiums, although Goodin mentioned that claims resulting from catastrophic events like large hailstorms may not significantly impact rates. “If the damage is minor, you might want to have a roofer inspect it to determine if it’s a large claim,” he suggested.
To protect vehicles from hail damage, storing them in a garage or covering them with thick blankets is recommended. By taking these precautions and understanding insurance coverage, Siouxland residents can better navigate the challenges of severe weather season.
