Hailstorm rather than summer shower

Hailstones as small as two to three centimetres in diameter can cause significant damage to car bodywork, windows and buildings, depending on their fall speed and the strength of the wind. The risk increases particularly in the summer months. ERGO experts Janna Poll and Peter Schnitzler explain how to effectively protect your home and vehicle and what those affected should bear in mind if a claim arises.

Summer is hail season

With the arrival of the warmer months, hail season starts again in Germany, with an increased risk between May and August. Hail can occur anywhere, but there are so called “hail hot spots” such as the Black Forest, the Bavarian Alpine foothills and parts of Hesse. While cars often sustain dents and shattered windows, it is mainly roofs, façades, roller shutters and solar panels that are affected on houses.

Protecting your car – at home and on the road

At home, your vehicle is safest in a sheltered parking space, for example in a garage or under a carport. If drivers are caught in a hailstorm while on the road, ERGO motor insurance expert Peter Schnitzler advises reducing speed and – if possible – seeking shelter under a bridge, an overhanging roof or in a public car park. If none of these options is available, it is better to stop and sit in the back. Because of the angle, a glass sunroof and windscreen will shatter much more quickly than the rear window.

Securing your home and garden: short term measures

When a storm is approaching, the motto is: batten down the hatches. Doors, windows and roof windows should be closed. Awnings should be retracted, as they tear easily. If heavy hail is forecast, it’s better to leave roller shutters up, as larger hailstones can quickly damage them. It’s also advisable not to stand at or under windows during a hailstorm in order to avoid injury from broken glass. If there is enough time, garden furniture and equipment should be brought under cover.

What offers long term protection

In the long term, prevention pays off: gutters should always be kept clear so that meltwater from the hailstones can drain away. Regular roof maintenance is also advisable to replace loose or broken tiles and repair any leaks. Special attention should be paid to solar panels, as they are among the most sensitive components of a building. Hailstones from as little as two centimetres in size can damage this expensive technology. Homeowners should therefore pay close attention to the hail resistance class when purchasing new solar modules. Certified panels can save a great deal of trouble if the worst happens. And anyone renovating should opt for robust materials such as hail resistant roof tiles, roof windows with safety or laminated safety glass, and sturdy roller shutters.

Hail damage – what now?

Anyone affected should report damage to their insurer without delay. Thorough documentation with photos or videos is crucial. “Document generously. A photo of the hailstones next to a ruler is extremely helpful for the insurer when assessing the severity of the event and speeding up the claims process,” says ERGO insurance expert Janna Poll. While the damage should be reported quickly, the next steps should be considered calmly: temporary measures, such as putting a tarpaulin over a hole in the roof to prevent further damage, are of course allowed. For more extensive repairs, it is important to coordinate with the insurer.

Insurance and financial protection

Hail often leads to consequential damage that can be more expensive than the initial impact damage. Good insurance cover is therefore essential. Here is a brief overview: partial comprehensive (third party, fire and theft) insurance covers a shattered windscreen or dented bonnet caused by a storm or hail. Useful to know: “Fully comprehensive insurance automatically includes partial comprehensive cover, which is not subject to no claims discounts. This means there is no downgrading to a more expensive class after a claim,” explains Schnitzler. It is important to note that anyone with third party motor insurance only will have to bear the costs themselves. Damage to the home is covered by buildings insurance. “It’s worth updating the policy if, for example, a conservatory or PV system has been added later on,” advises Poll.

Checklist: Well prepared for hail season

Short term actions:

• Follow weather warnings
• Secure windows, doors and awnings
• Put away garden furniture and loose items
• Park your car in the safest place possible

Long term measures:

• Have the roof serviced regularly
• Keep gutters and drains clear
• Plan for hail resistant materials when renovating

In general:

• Check your insurance cover and adjust it if necessary