Staying safe during a hailstorm
We're here to help protect you before, during and after a natural disaster.
Hailstorm tips
Hailstorm Tips
Video Duration: 1 minute 30 seconds
Transcript Date: Sept. 22, 2023
The dangers of hail: Elapsed time 0 seconds [00:00]
Description of Visual Information: [In conjunction with IBHS - Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety] End of description.
The sound of hail hitting your house or car might leave you feeling on edge. And depending on the size and the speed of the hailstones, they can pose a danger to people and property alike. They often leave dented vehicles, broken windows, cracked vinyl siding and roof shingle damage in their wake.
Tips to follow: Elapsed time 19 seconds [00:19]
Description of Visual Information: [Here's some tips to follow.] End of description.
But you can take action to get ahead of hailstorm damage before it occurs. If a hailstorm is in your immediate forecast, here's what you can do.
- Stay weather aware. Find a reliable source for local weather forecasts and subscribe to emergency alerts.
- Cover up. Park your car in a garage or other covered parking, if possible.
- Keep your home's exterior clear. Move, cover or secure outdoor items that could become flying debris in high winds.
Once a hailstorm starts, safety should be a priority.
- Watch out for windows. Close drapes, blinds or window shades during a severe hailstorm to keep wind from blowing broken glass inside that can cause injury.
- Avoid sheltering under trees. They could be struck by lightning or drop heavy branches that might fall on you.
- Be careful behind the wheel. If you're driving when hail hits, get off the road and stop driving. Stay in your vehicle and cover your face and head while keeping your back to the windows.
So, before a severe hailstorm ever carves a path in your direction, be aware, be prepared and above all, stay safe
Description of Visual Information: [USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.
Copyright © 2022 USAA] End of description.
End: Elapsed time 1 minute, 30 seconds [01:30]
Stay Informed and help protect your family, pets and belongings.
Ensure your family and pets are indoors and sheltered. Stay away from windows, and don't use a landline or electrical appliances to avoid electrocution.
Protect your vehicle and reduce the chances of experiencing damage by parking under cover or in your garage. Move outdoor furniture inside or under a covered area.
Know what to do outside.
Stay out of ditches and areas that may suddenly fill with water. Don't seek shelter under trees. You could get hit by lighting or falling branches. If you can't find something to protect your entire body, find something to protect your head.
Know what to do while driving.
Allow more distance than usual between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can try to avoid a rear-end collision.
To avoid breaking your windshield or windows, stop driving when it's safe to do so. Try to keep your face away from vehicle windows. Shield small children with your body and cover their eyes.
How to file a natural disaster claim
How to File a Natural Disaster Claim
Video Duration: 1 minute 40 seconds
Transcript Date: Aug. 13, 2020
Get Your Claim Started [00:00]
We are sorry you have experienced this recent loss, but USAA stands ready to serve you throughout the claim. Let's get the process started.Tap file a claim. Reporting your claim will only take a few minutes. If you don't have all the information, that's ok.
Basic Information [00:22]
Provide some basic information to get your claim started. Verify your Information.
Provide Some Details [00:36]
Now, let's get to the details. Select the type of property involved. Describe the damage. Provide details of the incident. Briefly tell us what happened.
Let's Finish Your Claim [01:05]
Let's wrap your claim. Confirm your contact preference and verify claim details. Tap submit. Once you have filed your claim, an adjuster will reach out through our digital channel or by telephone to discuss next steps. You can check status anytime and reach your adjuster on USAA.com or via USAA mobile app. Click on “File a Claim' on this page to get started. [Description of visual information: USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. End of description]
End [1:40]
How to file a natural disaster claim
How to File a Natural Disaster Claim
Video Duration: 1 minute 40 seconds
Transcript Date: Aug. 13, 2020
Get Your Claim Started [00:00]
We are sorry you have experienced this recent loss, but USAA stands ready to serve you throughout the claim. Let's get the process started.Tap file a claim. Reporting your claim will only take a few minutes. If you don't have all the information, that's ok.
Basic Information [00:22]
Provide some basic information to get your claim started. Verify your Information.
Provide Some Details [00:36]
Now, let's get to the details. Select the type of property involved. Describe the damage. Provide details of the incident. Briefly tell us what happened.
Let's Finish Your Claim [01:05]
Let's wrap your claim. Confirm your contact preference and verify claim details. Tap submit. Once you have filed your claim, an adjuster will reach out through our digital channel or by telephone to discuss next steps. You can check status anytime and reach your adjuster on USAA.com or via USAA mobile app. Click on “File a Claim' on this page to get started. [Description of visual information: USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. End of description]
End [1:40]
Here's a quick view of the claim process.
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Step 1 of 4 Tell us what happened.
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Step 2 of 4 Inspect damages and review your estimate.
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Step 3 of 4 If coverage applies we pay for damages, minus the deductible.
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Step 4 of 4 Repair or replace your property or vehicle.
Inspect your property and assess the damage.
Property damage is not always immediately evident. If property damage is found, file a claim. Take photos of any damage before you remove debris or make temporary repairs. Be sure to check for any signs of water leaks, especially in the ceilings.
If you need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, save the receipts for reimbursement consideration. Avoid making permanent repairs until your claims adjuster has assessed damage.
Learn more Ways to Assess The Damage
Know your rights and protect your finances.
Signing over your insurance benefits to a contractor or other vendor may seem convenient at the moment. But assigning benefits may forfeit your rights under the policy to that third party and you may lose control of your claim.
If your vehicle is damaged by a natural disaster, file a claim.
Take photos of any damage before you remove debris or make temporary repairs. If there's only damage to your auto glass, file an auto glass claim.
If there's damage to more than just your auto glass, file an auto claim. If you need to make temporary repairs to make it safe to drive, save the receipts for reimbursement consideration.
Inspect your property and assess the damage.
- The hail may have damaged your roof enough to allow water to enter your home. Although not typically covered by insurance, consider hiring a licensed contractor to inspect your roof for damage.
- If property damage is found, file a claim.
- Protect your property from further damage by covering roof openings, broken windows or doors with tarps or plywood, and save receipts for what you spend for reimbursement consideration.
Mobile Response Locations – California Wildfires
What can I do at a Mobile Response Site?
Speak with an adjuster. At the mobile response unit, you have the ability to speak with an adjuster or use a tablet to file an Auto or Property claim and check status of an existing claim.
USAA can address new membership, service existing policies, and provide an insurance policy review. Due to the current environment some services may not be available.
Charge your devices. Our mobile response unit features convenient charging stations should you need to recharge your portable devices.
We do not conduct vehicle inspections at this site, as those are coordinated separately at different locations.