Our world has experienced an unexpected first half of 2020. In the midst of dealing with a new normal, another challenge is upon us: hail season. Hail can cause damage to your home and automobiles, as well as other structures on your property. Purchasing  homeowners and auto insurance to help cover damage that can occur from a hail storm just may save you money. In Indiana, hail can happen all year round, but the prime months are April through August. That means that you still have time to begin prepping your home and vehicles for potential hailstorms. Hailstorms are sporadic and it is unknown how long they may last. It is important that you know the various ways in which you can help minimize damage before the storm occurs. Here is a list of suggestions to help you prepare your home and automobiles:

• Insure your home and vehicles – We provide homeowners and auto insurance at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. Wind and hail damage are two perils that may be covered under both homeowners and auto policies. Hail can be as small as a cherry seed or as big as a tennis ball. No one can predict what size the hail may be in the event of a hailstorm, so having coverage on your home and auto could save you costly out-of-pocket costs for repairs. Want to know more about what your homeowners and auto policies cover? Contact an agent for help.  
  
  
• Cover your car – If you have a garage that is filled with old junk that you have been meaning to get rid of, make this your excuse to finally clear it out. Having a garage to put your car into during a hailstorm is both preventative and safe. If you have more cars than garage space, find an area you can park your car where it will still be covered. Not finding luck there, go online and buy a protective cover for your car. This will help soften the impact of the hail and will hopefully prevent major damage to your automobile.
  
  
• Check the weather – Stay informed about the weather to prepare for hailstorms and other weather events that may occur. Sign up to receive weather updates and alerts on your phone so you can stay up to date on the weather. If you keep track of the weather, you will be able to prepare for hailstorms and make sure you, your family, your home and car are safe from the storm.
  
  
• Stay safe – If a storm does happen while you are out and about, worry about you and your family’s safety first and foremost. Find shelter and take cover from the storm. A home and car can be replaced, but you and your family cannot.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety has additional tips on preventing hail damage and information on how to reduce damage to your home with proper roof coverings. It also provides information on what to do after a hailstorm occurs. Some of these tips include contacting your insurance agent right away, protecting your property from further damage by removing tree branches and items in your yard, as well as not putting yourself in danger’s way.

When a hailstorm strikes the damage can be widespread and costly. So preparing and knowing what to do before and after the storm hits is extremely important.  Remember, if you believe you have hail damage, report it immediately. We give you the option to report a claim 24 hours a day, seven days a week online or by calling 1-800-723-3276.

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