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5 things to know about hail damage

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you think your home was damaged in a hailstorm, there are some things to remember in the immediate aftermath of a storm.

PHOTOS: Central Florida pummeled by hail

1. Take pictures to document the damage.

Hail storms can leave quite a mess in their wake but don’t start cleaning up right away. Take pictures to document the damage to your home and car. They will be useful should you need to file a claim.

2. Try to minimize any additional damage.

Consider using tarps to cover holes and roof damage or to prevent any water from doing more damage to your home.

READ: Severe storms drop buckets of hail, brings strong winds to parts of Central Florida on Sunday

3. Don’t attempt any repairs on your own.

Some damage to your home can be extensive but leave any major repairs to a professional. Insurance companies can deny your claim if repairs are done by anyone other than an approved contractor.

4. Check your policy coverage.

It is always a good idea to know what your insurance company will or won’t cover. Knowing your deductible and how much your insurance company will pay for repairs can save you being surprised with high out-of-pocket costs.

READ: Lightning strike sparks house fire in Mount Dora, fire officials say

5. Contact your insurance agent if you feel there’s a claim.

If you think that the damage will exceed your deductible then you may want to file a claim. Contact your insurance agent to begin the process of filing a claim.

READ: COVID-19 vaccine distribution sites disrupted by weekend storms reopen


Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.

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