What to do in the event of hailstorm damage
Today Johannesburg reached a high of 33 degrees. This hot weather makes it hard to believe that at the beginning of this month, some provinces were hit by severe storms.
I mean, who can forget the images of the flooded OR Tambo airport? In case the country is hit by heavy storms, in particular hailstorms, here’s what to do if your home and vehicle have been damaged.
Property Hail Damage
If your property has been damaged, here are the following steps to take before getting your insurance involved,
These tips are brought to you by iWYZE
- Inspect your property and identify everything that has been damaged.
- Take photos of the damage for your records.
- Make sure to document the date and time of the hailstorm. Some insurance companies might verify this information with the weather bureau.
- This might sound bizarre but pay attention to the size of the hailstones and the quantity of hail on the ground, your vehicle, roof and other areas of your property. This is important as it indicates the possible level of damaged caused.
- When the storm is over, check for leaks both inside and outside of your house. A leak, if left unattended, can lead to further damage or escalated water bills.
Tip: If you spot damage to your trees, shrubs and plants the chances are good that there will be damage on other areas like the roof, gutters and windows.
If your house is in an emergency situation (broken windows or leaking roof) make sure to call your insurance company to identify a local authorised contractor. If your house is not in an emergency situation, it is still best to find a contractor to inspect the hail damage.
Vehicle Hail Damage
Call your insurance company immediately after the storm to report the damage to your vehicle. Your insurance company should recommend a preferred car repair supplier. The insurance will request an assessment from the supplier after evaluating the damage. Thereafter, your insurance and recommended car repair supplier will determine what will make the most sense for repairing your vehicle.
Same as with your property, it is helpful to take photos of the hail damage as proof for your insurance. This is also beneficial, as you will have a record for future reference.
Also read: Nissan offers storm support for vehicles that have been written off
How to claim from your insurance:
- Have all your records on hand. This will help you go through the process smoothly.
- After submitting your claim, someone will be sent by your insurance to assess the financial damage.
- Don’t be alarmed it’s not uncommon for the estimated payout amount to be less than the invoiced amount. This depends on the amount you’re covered for.
- Contact your insurance supplier to find out if you are covered for home and vehicle insurance and make sure you know the value of your insurance you are covered for.
Brought to you by iWYZE
For more information contact 0860 000 053