Hail can hit your home, your car -- and your wallet
Mary Lou Jay
The heaviest hailstone on record in the United States (1.67 pounds) fell in Coffeyville, Kan., in 1970, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The largest, measuring 7 inches in diameter, fell in June 2003 in Aurora, Neb.
Most hailstones aren't that big. They're usually less than 2 inches in diameter, according to the Insurance Information Institute. But because they're hitting earth (or your home or your car) at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, even small hailstones can cause significant damage. The Insurance Information Institute says that hail storms were responsible for nearly $2 billion in losses in 2008.
Hail most often falls during spring and summer thunderstorms, and it's most common east of the Rocky Mountains, in states such as Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Insurance coverage for hail
Hail damage is generally covered under a home insurance policy and under the comprehensive coverage portion (if you have it) of your auto insurance policy. But insurers have adjusted their coverage in some areas with a history of hail losses. Residents of 14 counties along the Texas coast, for example, no longer have hail (and wind) coverage automatically included in their home insurance policies; they have to purchase that coverage from a special insurer, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, at a higher cost. In other states, insurers have raised deductibles for hail losses, with homeowners paying 1 percent to 5 percent of their home's insured value out of their own pockets before coverage kicks in, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Protecting your property
Even if you have the right home and auto insurance coverage, taking certain precautions can help you avoid making a claim (and shelling out for a deductible). The best way to protect your property from hail damage is to listen to weather reports and take action as necessary. The National Weather Service will issue a severe thunderstorm warning when it expects a storm to produce hail that's 1 inch in diameter (about the size of a quarter) or larger, according to NOAA.
To protect your vehicle, park it in a garage, under a carport or under a strong canvas tent. If no shelter is available, use old blankets to cover your car if a hailstorm appears imminent. To reduce hail damage to your home, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety advises replacing your shingles every seven to 10 years if you live in hail-prone areas. The Insurance Information Institute recommends using hail-resistant roofing materials that have earned a Class 4 rating from Underwriters Laboratory.
If your car's windows or home's windows are broken by hail, cover the damaged areas as quickly as possible. If your roof has been damaged, cover the area to make sure that no water can enter your home until an insurance adjuster can inspect it and you can make repairs. Take photos of the damage, and call your insurance agent right away.
