Does RACV Cover Hail Damage?

Hailstorms are becoming increasingly common and severe due to climate change, leaving many car owners and homeowners wondering about their insurance coverage. If you’re an RACV policyholder in Australia, you might be asking: Does RACV cover hail damage? The short answer is yes—but the specifics matter. Let’s break down what RACV insurance includes, how hail damage claims work, and what you can do to protect your assets in an era of extreme weather events.

Understanding Hail Damage and Insurance Coverage

Hail can cause significant damage to vehicles, roofs, windows, and even solar panels. With climate change fueling more frequent and intense storms, insurance claims for hail-related damage have skyrocketed in recent years.

What Does RACV Car Insurance Cover?

RACV offers different levels of car insurance, and coverage for hail damage depends on the type of policy you have:

• Comprehensive Car Insurance: This is the highest level of coverage and includes protection against hail damage. If your car is dented or windows are shattered by hail, RACV will cover repair costs (minus any applicable excess).
• Third-Party Fire and Theft Insurance: This policy does not cover hail damage—it only protects against fire, theft, and damage you cause to other vehicles.
• Third-Party Property Damage Only: The most basic policy, which only covers damage you cause to others, excludes hail damage entirely.

If you live in a hail-prone area, comprehensive coverage is highly recommended.

Does RACV Home Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

For homeowners, RACV’s home and contents insurance policies generally include hail damage protection, but there are nuances:

• Building Insurance: Covers structural damage to your home caused by hail, including roof damage, broken windows, and damaged walls.
• Contents Insurance: Protects personal belongings inside the home if hail causes water leaks or breaks through windows.

However, some policies may have exclusions or require additional coverage for certain scenarios, so always check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

How to Make a Hail Damage Claim with RACV

If your car or home has been damaged by hail, follow these steps to file a claim:

1. Document the Damage

Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas. For cars, capture close-ups of dents and cracked glass. For homes, document roof damage, broken windows, and any water leaks.

2. Contact RACV Immediately

The sooner you report the damage, the faster your claim can be processed. You can file a claim online, via the RACV app, or by calling their claims hotline.

3. Get a Professional Assessment

RACV may send an assessor to inspect the damage or ask you to visit an approved repairer. For major home damage, they might recommend emergency repairs to prevent further issues (like water ingress).

4. Understand Your Excess

Your policy will have an excess amount you must pay before RACV covers the rest. Some policies offer reduced excess for certain events, so check your terms.

5. Follow Up on Repairs

Once approved, RACV will arrange repairs through their network or reimburse you if you choose your own repairer (subject to policy conditions).

Preventing Hail Damage: Proactive Measures

While insurance covers repairs, prevention is always better. Here are some ways to minimize hail damage risks:

For Cars

• Park Under Cover: Use a garage, carport, or covered parking whenever possible.
• Use Car Covers: Heavy-duty hail protection covers can reduce damage.
• Check Weather Alerts: If hail is forecast, move your car to a safe location.

For Homes

• Install Impact-Resistant Roofing: Metal roofs or reinforced materials can withstand hail better.
• Trim Trees Near the House: Falling branches during a storm can worsen damage.
• Protect Windows with Shutters: Storm shutters can prevent glass breakage.

The Rising Cost of Hail Damage and Insurance Trends

With climate change increasing the frequency of severe hailstorms, insurers are adjusting their policies:

• Higher Premiums: Areas prone to hail may see increased insurance costs.
• Stricter Policy Terms: Some insurers now impose higher excesses for hail claims.
• Exclusions for Older Vehicles/Homes: Without proper maintenance, insurers may deny claims.

Staying informed and reviewing your policy annually ensures you’re adequately protected.

Final Thoughts

Hail damage can be costly, but with the right RACV insurance, you can mitigate financial losses. Always verify your coverage, take preventive steps, and act quickly if disaster strikes. As extreme weather becomes the new normal, being prepared is more important than ever.