Hail can cause considerable damage to cars, roofs, windows, and gutters in the US. Every year thousands of Americans are impacted by hail storms.
Hail storms can do a lot of damage- it’s important to know the signs of one, how to protect your property, and choose the right insurance plan for you.
Signs Of A Hail Storm
How does hail form? Hail forms in thunderstorms when strong updrafts push the rain and hail upwards, causing them to fall when they reach the top of storm clouds. The air at this altitude is usually below freezing point, so snow or hail freezes in contact with the ground.
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Small droplets of precipitation freeze and form hail, which continues to grow as it rises and falls. Eventually, the weight of the hail is too much for the storm winds to bear and they come crashing down.
When and where do hail storms occur? Hail is more likely to occur during the spring and summer when temperatures and humidity are high. These conditions can trigger thunderstorms which additionally cause hail.
Hail storms can happen in lots of places across the country; but they are most likely to happen in areas known as “hail alley” which includes Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. Oklahoma, Illinois, and Kansas are also known as hail states.
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There is no set way to know for sure if a thunderstorm will produce hail, but heavy rain and strong winds seem to be good indicators. Wind direction and sudden drops in temperature can also factor in.
Radar can detect hail, so organizations that have a risk of hail would do well to pay close attention to weather reports before severe thunderstorms.
Hail Storm Insurance
Wind and hail are the two most common types of property damage filed by homeowners. In 2017, there were 6,055 major hailstorms across the US, which resulted in $1.8 billion worth of damage to property and crops.
If you have a home insurance policy, any damage from hail and wind during a storm should be covered.
Homeowner’s insurance covers the following:
- Wind and hail damage
- Lightning strikes
- Water and ice damage
- Fallen trees
- Power surges
Be sure to check the fine print of your policy and talk through any concerns you have with your provider to be 100% sure that you’re protected. Have a chat with us about what you need.
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Staying organized is an important part of any insurance policy. Storing the necessary information in a safe place can protect you from being unable to access them if the originals are lost or damaged. Make sure to keep your contact numbers & relevant details with you.
You can prevent any disputes about the condition of your property if it’s damaged in a storm by taking some ‘before’ photos to send with your insurance provider.
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