RELEASE DATE: November 13, 2002

For information: Mary Bonelli/Mitch Wilson, OII, 614-228-1593
After hours: Mary – 614-443-0400; Mitch – 614-868-0575

Hailstorm loss coverage information and claims tips offered by insurance industry

The Ohio Insurance Institute reminds homeowners that hailstorm losses are covered under homeowners and auto insurance policies. Some of the losses sustained from the November 10 storm front resulted in hailstorms, especially in central Ohio. Under an auto insurance policy consumers are protected through comprehensive coverage. It covers insured vehicles from damages caused by something other than a collision or an overturn. These perils include natural disasters such as tornadoes, windstorms, hail and flooding. The following tips are provided to assist those who have sustained hail-related damage.

If a hailstorm strikes

• Don’t go out in the storm to try to protect your property. You could be injured.

After the hailstorm

Access the damage.

• Check trees, shrubs and plants around your house. If they are stripped of their foliage, there is a possibility that your roof is damaged. You should also check for roof damage if patio covers, screens or soft aluminum roof vents are dented.
• Check your car for dents and broken or cracked glass.

  Protect your property from further damage

• If you find signs that hail has battered your property, take immediate steps to protect it from further damage.
• Cover any broken windows and holes in your roof so that no water can enter and damage your home’s interior.
• Cover any broken glass in your car to prevent damage to the interior from rain and remove glass from the car’s interior to prevent cuts in upholstery and carpet.

  File your claim

• Call your agent or company as soon as you notice damage. Practically all homeowners policies cover hail damage. You car will be covered if you’ve purchased comprehensive coverage. If your agent or company requests you to do so, follow up your call with a written explanation of what happened. Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.

  Select a repair company

• After an insurance adjuster has surveyed the hail damage to your property, select a reputable roofing company or auto body shop to make repairs.
• Allow only the insurance adjuster and roofer you have selected to get up on your roof. Each time someone walks on it, more damage can occur.
• Be wary of out-of-town roofers who move into an area and set up shop following a storm. While most of these firms are reputable, some have collected money from homeowners and moved on to the next storm site without paying suppliers or leaving work unfinished. This can leave homeowners holding the bag for those additional costs. It’s a good idea to select a company with established credibility and local references. Word of mouth is still your best guide.
• Be sure roofers have workers compensation and liability insurance. If they don’t, you may be held liable if one of the workers is injured or if they damage a neighbor’s property.
• Don’t make final payment to the roofing company until your roof has been inspected and you are satisfied.

  Use hail resistive roofing materials

• When building a new home or replacing your roof, consider using impact-resistive roofing products. The insurance industry has an Underwriters Laboratory standard ranking, the UL 2218 standard. The standard has four impact-level designations that will help you compare products. Roof coverings that show the most resistance earn a Class 4 rating; the least, a Class 1 rating.