Car damage due to snowstorm: What to do?
During winter, it is common for episodes of intense cold and snowstorms to occur in mountain areas and where temperatures are very low. But this rarely happens in cities or coastal areas with a more temperate climate where there is generally more population density and more mobility.
However, this 2021 has surprised us with the arrival of the storm, which has unloaded significant accumulations of snow in many cities and towns, with road closures and serious problems in travel. The weight of snow, ice, and the force of the wind can damage all those vehicles that were left out in the open during the storm.
We are going to solve some doubts about the damages and insurance coverage that may arise after the snowstorm:
Yes, there is. But in each company, it can be different. Compensation for damages caused by heavy rains, hail storms, and snowstorms is part of the coverage for meteorological phenomena.
You must review the conditions of the policy since not all companies have this coverage nor should it be included by default in third-party or all-risk modalities. If you are interested in having it, you must specify it at the time of hiring, and thus ensure that you will have it in case you need it.
The most common car accidents in winter due to snowstorms:
Fall of a tree on the vehicle due to the weight of the snow: In this case, you must contact the owner of the place where the tree is planted, it can be a piece of land or private house, or a public space of the town hall of the municipality.
Hail marks on the body: If you find bumps on the vehicle, caused by the impact of hail and ice on the body, contact your insurance company to confirm that your contract includes hail damage and can fix the damage.
Cracks or bumps on car windows: Ice and hail can damage car windows and have left marks and even cracks. Check what type of insurance you have contracted, and make sure it includes coverage for windows.
De-icing water leaks: Water may seep into the interior of the vehicle as snow or ice melts. If it is a problem of material wear or adjustment of doors, windows, or air vents, you would have to repair it in your workshop.
Ice collision on the road: First of all, make sure everyone is okay. In case of colliding with another vehicle, you must make an accident report and contact your insurance company.
If after the snowstorm you find your car with any damage, do the following:
Analyze the situation in which your vehicle is.
Locate the parts of the car that have been damaged.
Take several photos of the damage.
Find your car insurance policy.
Get in touch with the insurer and tell them about the situation.
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