Hail damage can be frustrating and costly, especially when it leads to an increase in your car insurance premium. If you’ve decided to switch insurers in search of a better rate, you may be left wondering whether you can still file a claim for the damage that occurred before you made the switch.
Filing a claim after switching insurance can be complex, as it largely depends on the terms of your previous insurance policy and the timing of the damage.
Can you file a claim with your old insurer after switching?
If the hail damage occurred while your policy was active, you can still file a claim with your old insurer.
If the hailstorm occurred during your coverage period and you can provide documentation of the damage, you can file a claim even after switching insurers. However, make sure to check the time limits for filing claims, as most policies have a set deadline for reporting damage.
What happens to an open claim when switching insurance companies?
If you have an open claim with your old insurer when you switch to a new one, the claim will remain active and continue to be processed by your previous insurance company.
Switching insurance companies does not cancel or impact existing claims as long as the claim was filed while your old policy was in effect. You will need to coordinate with the previous insurer to settle the claim, and any payouts or repairs will still be covered under the terms of that policy.
Can you file a claim with the new insurance company?
No, you cannot file a claim with your new insurance company for damage that occurred before your coverage with them started.
Insurance policies only cover incidents during the period in which they are active. If the hail damage occurred before you switched insurers, your new policy won’t cover it, as they are only responsible for claims after your policy begins.
Learn more about the top states for hail damage claims
Why do premiums go up after a hail damage claim?
Filing a claim for hail damage, or any claim for that matter, can lead to an increase in your insurance premiums. This is because insurance companies adjust your rates based on the risk you present as a policyholder. When you file a claim, especially for weather-related damage, your insurer may see you as a higher risk for future claims.
This is because homes and vehicles in areas prone to hail storms or other natural disasters will likely experience more damage over time. The increase in your premium helps the insurer cover future potential claims and reflects the increased likelihood of future payouts.
Final thoughts
Switching insurance companies after experiencing hail damage can be a smart move if you’re facing higher premiums. As long as the hail damage occurred while your previous policy was still active, you can file a claim with your old insurer, even if you’ve changed companies.
While hail damage claims can increase premiums, shopping around for better rates can help you manage costs in the future.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.