Hail Damage Claim with Previous Unrelated Incident
This morning, we experienced a severe hailstorm, and my truck ended up suffering extensive damage. A few years back, someone accidentally backed into my truck and damaged one of the doors. At that time, I was with a different insurance provider and opted not to file a claim. Given the amount of hail damage and the mileage on my truck, it’s likely considered totaled. However, I’m worried that my current insurance company might raise questions about the unrelated damage. I don’t recall having to disclose that previous incident when I switched providers.
It’s understandable to be concerned about how your insurance company will handle the hail claim, especially with the existing damage from the previous incident. Here are a few points to consider:
Document Everything: Take plenty of photos of all the damage from the hail storm, as well as the previous damage to your door. This will help provide a clear picture of the condition of your vehicle at the time of the hail damage.
Discuss with Your Adjuster: When you file the claim, be upfront about the previous damage, even if it was never officially reported. Insurance adjusters are trained to evaluate damage and should be able to distinguish between the hail damage and any prior damage.
Policy Terms: Review your new insurance policy to understand how they handle claims for vehicles with pre-existing conditions. Generally, insurance is intended to cover the damage caused by the recent event (in this case, the hail).
Fair Evaluation: If your truck is deemed a total loss, the insurance should focus on the current damage when assessing its value. Previous damage may not impact the hail claim significantly, especially if you have documented that it was a separate incident.
Consult if Needed: If you still have concerns, consider reaching out to a professional or legal advisor who specializes in insurance claims for further clarification.
Being proactive and open about the situation can often work in your favor during the claims process. Good luck!