Storm and hail damage is one of the most common reasons boats and caravans end up needing fibreglass repairs. What you do in the first hours and days afterwards can make a real difference to both the repair and your insurance claim.
Safety first, documentation second, repairs third. It's generally best not to start permanent repairs before you've recorded the damage for your insurer.
Storm and hail damage is one of the most common categories of boat and caravan insurance claims, so insurers are generally well set up to handle them: the key is giving them clear, early documentation to work with.
Before inspecting the damage closely, make sure the area is safe. Look out for downed power lines, unstable structures, loose panels that could fall, or anything else that could cause injury before you get close to assess what's happened.
This is the most important step for your insurance claim. It helps to take wide photos showing the whole boat or caravan and its surroundings, then close-up photos of every area of damage: hail dents, cracked panels, torn covers, water pooling. Photos from multiple angles, and where possible something for scale in close-up shots, give your insurer the clearest picture.
Try to capture this before cleaning up debris, covering damage, or starting any repairs, since insurers generally want to see the damage as it was immediately after the event.
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If water is actively entering through a hole or crack, a temporary cover or tarp to prevent further damage is generally considered reasonable. Photograph the damage first, then photograph the temporary fix once it's in place.
Avoid undertaking any permanent repair work before your claim has been lodged and, ideally, assessed, since this can complicate the insurer's ability to verify the original damage.
Lodge your claim as soon as practical, providing the photos and a clear description of what happened and when. If you have a preferred repairer, this is the point to let your insurer know: most policies allow you to choose your own repairer for an approved claim.
Even if the damage looks minor, a proper assessment can pick up on issues that aren't obvious straight away: hail damage in particular can cause hairline cracking or stress that isn't always visible without a close inspection. This assessment also forms part of the documentation your insurer needs to process the claim.
Hail and storm damage can be deceptive: what looks like a small dent or chip on the surface can sometimes be accompanied by cracking or stress damage underneath that isn't visible without a proper inspection.
If you're unsure, it's worth getting a professional assessment regardless of how the damage looks at first glance, both for your own peace of mind and to support your insurance claim with proper documentation.
If you need fibreglass repairs in Brisbane or South-East Queensland, get in touch with us today. We're happy to discuss your repair and provide advice on the best solution.
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Disclaimer: This information is general guidance only and is not financial, legal or insurance advice. Policy terms, exclusions and claim outcomes vary by insurer and individual circumstances. Always refer to your specific Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), or speak with your insurer or a licensed adviser, for advice relevant to your situation. LBM Fibreglass accepts no liability for any action taken in reliance on this general information.