South Africans know a few things for sure. The braai will start late. The Springboks will win your heart again. And when the weather app says, ‘Severe thunderstorm with hail’, you suddenly treat your car like a newborn baby. But even with the best planning, hail can still catch you off guard.
The good news? Insurance can swoop in like the king’s finest knight to save the day. Today, we’re unpacking how car insurance protects you when hail turns your trusted ride into a golf ball lookalike. We’ll also chat about how King Price insurance works and what to do when hail damage happens.
So, grab a cup of tea, sit back and let’s get you royally informed.
Why hail damage is such a big deal
Hailstorms in South Africa are no joke. These icy little troublemakers often arrive without much warning and can cause serious damage in minutes. Think:
- Dented roofs and bonnets.
- Shattered windscreens.
- Damaged panels and paint.
- Broken mirrors and lights.
And, depending on the size of the hailstones, even more serious damage. Repair costs can easily climb into the thousands. This is where decent car insurance becomes less of a grudge purchase and more of a ‘thank goodness I sorted this out’ moment.
Does car insurance cover hail damage?
Short answer. Yes, if you’re covered correctly.
With King Price, hail damage is covered under both agreed value car insurance and comprehensive car insurance, unless you’ve specifically chosen to remove hail cover from your policy. The official wording in the King Price policy doc (KPPD) states: ‘Hail damage to your car is covered, unless otherwise requested by you, and accordingly noted on your policy schedule’.
If hail strikes your car while you’re shopping, driving or hiding under a bridge hoping it will pass, you’re covered… As long as hail cover is active on your policy.
Which King Price products cover hail damage?
Let’s break it down, royal style.
This is the king’s crown jewel. It covers:
- Accident damage.
- Theft and hi-jacking.
- Acts of nature like storms, hail and floods.
- Fire and explosions.
- Damage you cause to others.
And yes, hail damage is covered here, too. This is your most complete protection. It’s also the car insurance product where your premium decreases monthly as your car depreciates. It’s smart, fair and genuinely South African.
Agreed value insurance also includes hail damage. The value is fixed for 3 years and agreed upfront by you and us. It’s ideal for cars with sentimental or special value. And yes, hail cover is included unless you ask to exclude it.
Surprisingly, scratch and dent cover also includes hail damage repairs once per 12-month period. It’s not meant for severe hail damage, but it’s useful when the dents are small and fixable with non-invasive repair methods.
What happens when hail damages your car?
When hail smacks your car like it’s auditioning for a percussion band, here’s how the process works.
Step 1. Check that you’re safe
Storms can be dangerous. Make sure you and your passengers are safe before doing anything else.
Step 2. Report the damage to King Price
You must let us know about the incident as soon as possible and no later than 30 days after the hailstorm. This is part of your policy obligations. You can report a claim via:
- Our website.
- Our app/self-service portal.
- Call/WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50.
- Emailing [email protected]
The sooner you chat to us, the faster we can help you.
Step 3. Don’t start repairs on your own
Don’t take your car for repairs without King Price authorisation. The policy is very clear that repairs must be approved first. Otherwise, your claim may be rejected. And no one wants that.
Step 4. We assess the damage
A trusted repair partner will inspect your car and determine the most cost-effective way to repair it. This may include:
- Paintless dent removal.
- Panel beating.
- Windscreen replacement.
- Repairing damaged parts.
Step 5. Pay your excess
Every claim has an excess, as noted on your policy schedule. This is the amount you contribute towards the repair.
Step 6. We repair or settle the claim
Depending on the severity:
- Minor dents are repaired.
- Severe damage might require panel replacement.
- If the car is written off (which is rare in hail cases), we apply the normal write-off rules.
Tips to protect your car from hail (when you can)
Insurance is your safety net, but prevention still helps. Here are easy wins:
- Park under shelter when hail is predicted.
- If you’re driving and hail starts, find a covered spot if possible.
- Use a padded car cover or even thick blankets in an emergency.
- Avoid stopping under trees, which can fall or drop branches during storms.
- Keep an eye on weather alerts, especially in hail-heavy provinces.
South Africans know the drill. Every year, we see videos of people in shopping centres throwing their bodies over their cars to protect them. You don’t need to be that committed. You just need the king.
Why having hail cover matters
Hail damage isn’t just cosmetic. Even small dents can reduce your car’s value. Windscreen chips can spread into cracks. Damaged sensors or panels can affect safety systems. That’s why proper hail cover protects your:
- Budget.
- Car’s value.
- Long-term safety.
- Peace of mind.
And because hailstorms happen so fast, even the most careful driver can’t always avoid the damage. That’s why insurance steps in to keep your bank account smiling.
When hail damage might not be covered
Nothing ruins a royal vibe like a surprise exclusion. So, here’s what to watch out for.
You asked to remove hail cover
Some drivers remove hail cover to save money. If you did this, it’ll be noted on your schedule.
Pre-existing damage
If your car was already dented before the hailstorm, that damage won’t be covered.
Repairs done without approval
If you repair the car before King Price authorises the claim, it may be declined.
Unroadworthy cars
If your car isn’t roadworthy at the time of the incident, exclusions may apply.
Incorrect info on your policy
Incorrect details = incorrect cover. Always make sure your policy schedule is accurate.
Why King Price is the smart choice for hail protection
You get:
- Royal service.
- Decreasing premiums.
- 24/7 claims and assist.
- Cover for hail, storms and floods.
- Optional extras like scratch and dent, tyre and rim, car hire and more.
And you get it all with a tone that keeps things light even when the weather isn’t.
Time to protect your car like royalty
Hailstorms can arrive out of nowhere. Repair bills can take your breath away faster than a cold Highveld wind. But with proper insurance, you stay calm, protected and financially safe. Ready to protect your car from hail season and every season after that?
Chat to us, get a commitment-free quote, or call us on 0860 50 50 50. We’ll get you covered, save you cash and keep your car looking like the royal chariot it deserves to be.
FAQs
Does car insurance cover hail damage? Yes. King Price comprehensive and agreed value insurance all include hail damage unless you’ve chosen to remove it.
Can I claim hail damage under scratch and dent? Yes, but only once per 12-month period and only for minor hail dents within size limits.
Do I need to report hail damage immediately? You must report all incidents as soon as possible and within 30 days.
Can I choose my own repair shop? No. Repairs must be authorised by King Price and done by approved partners.
Does my premium increase after a hail claim? It depends on your risk profile, but many hail claims fall under acts of nature and don’t always lead to major adjustments.