BLOG: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR HAIL DAMAGED VEHICLE
Find out the important steps you need to take if you’ve suffered from destructive hailstorms ...
SUNSHINE & RAINBOWS ONE MINUTE, ☀️ LIGHTNING & HAILSTONES THE NEXT. ❄️ HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED.
While the summer season is often coined as sunshine and blue skies, in Australia we can experience some pretty spectacular weather events during this period. Storms can ravage our states out of nowhere, with a deluge of rain, thunder, lightning, and hail. If your vehicle is unfortunate enough to get caught amongst the chaos and destruction of hail, we have a few handy tips to help you move forward.
- Contact your insurer immediately
Our first tip to all our readers is to get in contact with your insurer as soon as possible. The quicker you are able to reach them and begin your appraisal process, the faster you’ll be able to get back on the road.
- Car Safety: Assessing whether you’re able to drive your car or not
We recommend that you go to your local car repairer or Tony White Dealership, to gain professional advice as to whether your vehicle is roadworthy or not. It’s a common sight after extreme weather events, that vehicle owners cover their hail damaged windows and windscreens in plastic. While this may be a quick-fix solution, drivers should be vigilant as to whether this method is not obstructing driver visibility. The police closely monitor these cars and will be inspecting each vehicles roadworthy standards. If you fail to meet the strict criteria, you could be fined upwards to $300.
- Be prepared to wait!
Often during extreme and unpredictable weather events, hundreds of people will make a claim to their car insurers. It is for this reason that we advise you to be prepared to wait during the backlog of car repairs. For example, during December 2018, a huge hail storm swept through Sydney resulting in over 6500 insurance claims made the next morning!
- Keeping your car or not
- Selling a Repairable Write-off
Most states will allow for written-off vehicles to be repaired, however, in New South Wales, the restrictions are far harsher. To gain approval to repair your vehicle, you have to lodge a claim to your states relevant Road Services authority. Once you gain approval, your car must be restored to industry standards, with a certificate of safety compliance.
- Keeping a Repairable Write Off
If you decide to keep your hail damaged car, your insurer will give you a reduced payout, as well as reduce the vehicle’s value.
- Don’t be tempted to replicate hail damage or make it worse!
Insurance companies have accessors that are trained to spot fake and fraudulent damages. Many people have been caught out replicating hail damage using golf balls, and they have been put on record.
If you have decided to upgrade from your hail damaged vehicle, feel free to contact one of our friendly team members at Tony White. With over 25 dealerships located across Australia’s Eastern States, find a location that is the closest to you!