Hail Damage Up

Question: We’ve had many hailstorms the past two summers. Our insurance agent said our car insurance rates would go up, not because we made a claim (we didn’t) but because of the pool we’re in and the claims history. I accept that, though I don’t love it. It made me wonder if anyone knows if, as we all believe, the amount of hail and the impact on cars is growing? Answer: Someone does know. And hail is doing a number on vehicles. The Highway Loss Data Institute has tracked the frequency, severity and cost of hail claims for years, collecting data from more than 1.5 million claims. The biggest payouts were in 2014 ($968.9 million) and 2011 ($948.3 million), HLDI reported. Between 2008 and 2015, the average claim severity - as they call it - was $3,428. 2014 had the highest claim severity at $4,169. The states with the highest claim frequencies during the period were, in order, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Missouri, Iowa, and Texas. HLDI is reporting that although 2011 and 2014 were very bad years, early indicators are that 2016 might top them. Three spring hailstorms in Texas appear to have done as much as $1 billion in vehicle damage. And that’s interesting, because Texas has not been tops in claims frequency in recent years - barely in the top 10, in fact. Which proves that, when it comes to hail damaging vehicles, there are lots of exceptions to the patterns. Like this: Spring is when most bad hailstorms occur, but the worst in terms of damage was in three counties in Arizona in 2010. There’s little warning when hail’s coming. But there are ways to minimize exposure. Always park in the garage or carport at home, and in parking garages when you’re out and about. If conditions are ripe for hail, you’re home, and you have no garage, get to a parking garage ASAP .(I use the hospital parking garage four blocks from home.) If you don’t have a sheltering option, cover your car. Some companies sell hail covers; you can also use layers of blankets. Definitely don’t drive in hail. It can be like driving on BBs spread across glass, depending on the air temperature and driving surface temperature. What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.