| Car insurance provider | How do they cover hail and storm damage? | Do they cover pre-existing hail damage? | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Loss or damage caused by nature (e.g. storm, hail, or fire) | Will only cover hail damage for Third Party Property Damage policies (e.g. storm, hail, or fire) | Get quote |
 AAMI Comprehensive | Accidental loss or damage including hail, storm and flood | Doesn't ask about pre-existing damage in quote process | More info |
 | Accidental and malicious damage, storm, fire, flood & hail | Doesn't ask about pre-existing damage in quote process | More info |
 NRMA Comprehensive | Fire, storm & flood. Cover for your car if it's damaged by severe weather | Doesn't ask about pre-existing damage in quote process | More info |
 | Accidental damage caused by, but not limited to hail | Budget Direct may cover your car with existing hail damage, depending on the extent of it. | Get quote |
 | Accidental damage to the car caused by a storm or flood. Storm means a violent atmospheric event which includes hail | Will only cover hail damage for Third Party Property Damage policies | Get quote |
 | Cover for accidental damage or loss to your car from natural events | Need to get a quote by calling | More info |
 | Accidental damage includes, but is not limited to, damage caused by hail | Virgin may cover your car with existing hail damage, depending on the extent of it. | More info |
 | Damage from natural weather events | Need to get a quote by calling | More info |
If you have a lower tier of car insurance cover, like third party or third party fire and theft, – consider upgrading to a comprehensive policy. Otherwise, it’s unlikely you'll be covered for any damage that the storm or hail caused.
Most comprehensive car insurance policies will allow you to claim for hail damage. However, there's usually a waiting period for any damage that is caused by storms, bushfires, floods, or cyclones. It can vary between insurers, but usually you'll have to have bought your policy a couple of days before the storm hit.
| Response | |
|---|---|
| Cover for damage to my own car | 83.57% |
| Choice of agreed or market value | 39.19% |
| New car replacement | 26.22% |
| Hail and weather damage | 23.63% |
| Choice of repairer | 22.05% |
| No excess windscreen cover | 19.74% |
| Towing | 18.88% |
| Other | 1.73% |
Lodging an insurance claim doesn't have to be anxiety-inducing. Follow these five simple steps for a stress-free experience.
Do this as soon as possible. If your area has been hit badly by a hail storm, it's likely there'll be thousands of other people claiming too. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner they can get started on your claim.
Take photos of any damage to your car, as well as any damage in the surrounding area. Make notes about what happened, including the time and date.
Provide the detailed evidence you gathered after your car was damaged. Agree to meet with any experts or claims assessors your insurance company assigns. Don't make any repairs until you have your insurer's permission.
Depending on the insurer your claim options may be to submit online, via an app, mail or in-person. Your insurer will explain their preferred method.
Your insurer has 10 business days to respond with their decision or to let you know if they need more time. If they do need more time, they have to let you know what else they need from you, and to give you updates on how your claim is progressing.
Although your car insurance company has 10 business days to respond to your claim, don't be surprised if it takes a little longer. This is because, when a major hail storm hits, it's usually followed by a huge influx in claims – which leads to a backlog for insurers.
Never carry out repairs to the car without your insurer's authorisation. In some cases, to allow the car to be driven immediately after an accident, your insurer may agree to essential repairs.
If your claim is accepted, your car insurer may:
You can also contact the Insurance Council of Australia if you have any general inquiries about the claims process. It's likely the organisation will activate its risk and disaster response helpline - 1800 734 621 - to answer any questions people might have.
If you're unhappy with how your insurer is treating you, get in touch with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) on 1800 931 678.
Storm damage can include the following:
Rain showers alone are usually not enough to be classed as a storm. It needs to be accompanied by an 'atmospheric event' like a thunderstorm or strong wind.
Policy wording on storms can differ from one insurer to another. So, it's a good idea to open policy and hit 'control + f' or 'command + f' and then 'storm' or 'hail' to see exactly what an insurer will and won't provide coverage for. A general point to keep in mind: you'll need to have taken reasonable care during a storm or hail storm. For example, if you drive through deep water after heavy rain, it'll likely to be seen as reckless behaviour and an insurer may refuse your claim.
James Marin
Editor of insurance at Finder
In most circumstances, your car insurance will not cover pre-existing hail damage. This is because insurance is designed to cover unforseen events – not ones you were already aware of when you took out cover.
Some insurance companies, such as NRMA, provide market value insurance so long as the car is in a registrable condition. However, they won't if it was previously considered a write off.
Similarly, providers such as Bingle will not insure your car under a cmprehensive insurance policy if it has any existing damage. They will only offer third party property damage insurance cover as long as your car is still roadworthy and registered.
If this is the case, keep in mind that third party policies don't cover hail damage; they only cover other cars and property damaged as a result of your accident.
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