Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 4

This article is provided by CDSPI on behalf of The Personal who has a group sponsorship agreement with regards to home and auto insurance for our members. For more information, call 1.877.277.7230 or visit thepersonal.com/cdspi . If you’re indoors • Close and lock windows and doors. • Close curtains and blinds to help protect you if the windows break. • If there’s a power outage, unplug electronics and appliances to avoid damage from a power surge. • If possible, use a flashlight instead of candles, which can be a fire hazard. If you’re driving • Find a place to safely pull over. Protect yourself in case the car windows shatter. • Watch out for flooded areas. Hail and heavy rain together can block storm drains and cause flash flooding. Protect your property during a storm • Put vehicles in the garage or cover them with a thick blanket. • Cover or store outdoor items and furniture. Make your home more resistant If you live in an area where hail is common, you can take steps to make your home more resistant to hail damage. • Keep your eavestroughs clear of debris to reduce the risk of ice dams and water damage. • Keep trees and shrubs trimmed and remove tree branches that could fall on your home. • Repair any damaged areas on your roof. If you’re thinking of getting a new roof, consider impact-resistant asphalt shingles. • Consider installing impact-resistant storm shutters to cover windows, skylights and sliding doors. Check your insurance for hail damage cover Before the next hailstorm hits, check with your insurance company to make sure any damage to your home or property is covered. Damage to vehicles from hail is usually covered if you have purchased comprehensive car insurance. After the storm Take a walk around your property and take note of any damage to your home or car. To help with the insurance claim process, take photos of the damage and make an inventory of damaged items. Also keep receipts if you spent money on clean-up. Let your insurance company know if your home or car was damaged in a hailstorm so they can walk you through the claims process. The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and The Personal Insurance Company in all other provinces and territories of Canada. The information and advice in this article are provided for informational purposes only. The Personal shall not be liable for any damages arising from any reliance upon such information or advice. The Personal recommends using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, expert advice. S upporting Y our P ractice 39 Issue 4 | 2021 |