What to do if your car is damaged by hail?
If your car has been damaged in a hail storm, we've got some tips to help you work out what to do next. If you need to, you can make a claim now.
Hail damage to cars
Australia's storm season normally runs from November to February. But if you've lived in Australia for more than a few months, you know that what "normally" happens isn't much use in predicting the weather. Warmer temperatures in late spring and throughout summer can bring severe thunderstorms, which can occasionally produce hail.
It's no surprise that, in the warmer months, car owners may start to worry about hail damage. While hail damage is usually superficial, repairs are often costly and – in more severe cases – vehicles are written off. It's important to make sure your car insurance policy covers you for hail damage.
Not all car insurance can cover your car if it's damaged by a hailstorm, and for some, the extent of the cover depends on the type of policy you take out.
How much damage does hail do to a car?
It depends on the severity of the hailstorm. The damage can be cosmetic (such as dents and chipped paint) or structural (severe damage that can compromise the vehicle’s safety and performance).
What car insurance covers hail damage?
Bingle Comprehensive Car insurance cover is our highest level of car cover available. It covers hail damage, along with many other weather-related damages.
Our Third-Party Car Insurance only covers accidental damage to other people’s car or property caused by the use of your car. As such, this policy won’t cover hail damage.
What excess do I need to pay if I make a claim with Bingle for hail damage?
Only the standard excess applies for hail damage claims. We won't charge any additional age or unlisted driver excesses. The standard excess is the amount shown on your Insurance Schedule.
How do I make a car insurance claim after a hailstorm?
It's easy – simply go to My Account and follow the prompts. We'll guide you through the process.
Note: Third Party Property Insurance does not cover damage to your car. You can only make a claim if you hold Comprehensive Car Insurance with Bingle.
What happens after a hail damage claim?
- You'll be able to book in to get your car assessed and, if possible, repaired. An assessor will check your car and review the damage.
- Once your claim is accepted, your car will be repaired using a repairer from our repair network. If your car is a total loss, we’ll settle your claim with a lump sum payment.
- Either way, we will let you know the outcome as soon as possible. Then, we'll either arrange for your car to be repaired or pay you a total loss payment.
See the PDS for more info, including any deductions that may apply.
What does it mean if my car is a write off?
If your car is deemed by us to be a total loss (also known as a write off), this means we will settle your claim by paying you a total loss payment. This will be based on your car's market value.
If you have New for Old as an optional extra (available on Comprehensive Car Insurance policies if your car is three years old or less), we’ll replace your car with a brand-new car of the same make and model (if available and possible).
See the PDS for more info, including any deductions that may apply.
How long after hail can you claim car insurance?
While you can technically make a car insurance claim at any time, we recommend that you lodge your claim as soon as possible. This way, the details will still be fresh in your mind, and your damaged vehicle will not deteriorate further.
What if only the windows of your car are damaged by hail?
If you have Bingle Comprehensive Car Insurance, you can make a claim, and your standard excess will apply.
If you have chosen to add our optional Windscreen and Window Glass Only cover, you won’t need to pay an excess if only the glass sections of your car are damaged by hail or other insured events; for example, if a stray rock cracks your windscreen. Your sunroof is also covered.
Add Windscreen and Window Glass Only cover to your Bingle Comprehensive Car Insurance policy today!
How to protect your car from hail damage in a storm?
During storm season, keep an eye on the weather forecast, and plan your week around the weather. If you think there's a storm or flood coming, avoid driving if possible. If you can, park somewhere safe, like inside a garage, and away from trees and power lines that could potentially fall on your car.
What to do if you're caught driving in a storm
Stop, pull over and wait in the car until it's over. Driving into extreme weather can be dangerous and cause irreparable damage to your car.
Keep up to date with weather alerts
Pay close attention to weather alerts. You can also download the official app of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology here.
Protect your car
You should also consider storing a hail proof car cover in your boot for emergencies.
Read More
The information is intended to be of general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon the information. Please make your own enquiries.
Please read the Product Disclosure Statement available on this website before buying this insurance and consider whether it is right for you. Cover may differ from other policies. The Target Market Determination is also available.
Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Bingle Insurance. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to bingle.com.au for a copy. Target Market Determination also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
