In the Event of a Hailstorm

Grosses boules de glace de grêle sur le capot de la voiture

If you find that your area is experiencing a severe hailstorm, the Allstate Canada Good Hands Advice team has provided some recommendations to help customers that might have been affected.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Indoors

  • Remaining indoors is your best bet for staying protected when a storm strikes.
  • Stay away from windows and skylights as large hailstones can shatter windows.
  • Do not touch metal objects such as pipes sinks, or other potential conductors of electricity in case there is lightning during the storm.
  • Unplug televisions, digital clocks and other electrical appliances that do not have surge protectors. Check out our tip sheet on what you need to know to handle a power outage.

Outdoors

  • If you’re outside when a storm strikes, find shelter immediately. Large enclosed structures tend to be safer than small open ones, like gazebos.
  • If lightning strikes, crouch down and put your feet together. Do not lie down. You want to minimize contact with the ground. Avoid water, high ground, isolated trees and open spaces.
  • If you’re in your vehicle when a hailstorm strikes:
    • Seek cover under an overpass, a gas station, or some other covered location, but avoid parking under trees as they could fall onto the vehicle.
    • If you can’t find cover nearby, pull off the road and bring your vehicle to a complete stop. If possible, angle the car so that hail hits the reinforced windshield rather than the less durable side windows and back glass. Stay in the vehicle, but keep your head away from windows, do not touch metal objects, and cover yourself with a blanket if available to protect against falling debris.

After a hailstorm

When conditions are safe:

Inspect your Home for Damage.

Window damage is usually the most easily identifiable. Inspect your windows for cracked glass and broken seals. Take a walk around the exterior of your home to see if you can identify any damage at eye level.

Stay away from hazards.

If you smell gas or notice a fallen or broken power line, remove yourself from danger and contact the appropriate emergency response or professional service team to manage the situation.

Seal off Exposed Areas.

If safe to do so, seal off any exposed areas (i.e. board up windows) to help prevent any further damage.

Contacting Your Insurance

Should you need to reach out to your insurance company for assistance after sustaining damages it is important that you remember to:

  • Take photos and document all damage to your vehicle or property.
  • Mitigate additional damage as best as possible. If it’s safe, remove any debris and keep the area safe for yourself and other residents.
  • Contact your insurance provider to submit a claim, providing them with details on the date and time of loss, a list of damaged items and (if possible) photos or videos of the damage.
  • Remain safe. Do not risk your health or safety when assessing damage.

If you are you are an Allstate policy holder within the impacted areas, our Claims team remains ready to support you. They can be reached at the appropriate number below. Alternatively, if you’re registered for myAllstate, you can submit a claim online:

Atlantic:
Toll free: 1.800.561.7222
Local: 506.859.7820

Alberta:
Toll free: 1.800.661.1577
Local: 403.974.8700

Ontario:
Toll free: 1.800.387.0462
Local: 905.477.5550

Quebec:
Toll free: 1.800.463.2813
Local: 514.351.5335

Disclaimer: This information has been provided for your convenience only and should not be construed as providing legal or insurance advice.