After Islamabad hailstorm observed earlier this week brought a major disaster in the capital city leaving a trail of damaged vehicles and shaken residents in its wake. The storm, which hit with sudden intensity, caused significant damage to countless cars parked across the twin cities. Many car owners awoke to find shattered windscreens, cracked rear screens, dented panels, and paint damage – an unfortunate aftermath of nature’s fury.
In a recent development, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a fresh weather alert, forecasting severe conditions including heavy rainfall, strong windstorms, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms. These are expected to hit various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).
NDMA issued a similar weather alert for different parts of Punjab on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Following suit, Dewan Motors has also shared a similar advisory on its social media platforms, urging car owners to stay alert and take necessary precautions to protect their vehicles.
Public Advisory: Stay Prepared
NDMA has urged the public to take all necessary precautions. Similarly, Dewan Motors has also posted the advisory on its Facebook page advising the car owners to safeguard trhei8r vehicles, property, and personal safety during this period.
Hailstorm – Car Insurance
Leading to one vital question: Are damages caused by natural disasters covered in car insurance? This question is important today because Pakistan is among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change. The answer to this question is yes; the car insurance does cover damages in this case, but only Comprehensive Car Insurance.
The Comprehensive Car Insurance covers damages caused by:
- Natural disasters/Acts of God, i.e., hailstorm, hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, and storms
- Accidental external means
- Fire, external, explosion, self-ignition, or lightning
- Malicious Act
- Riots and strikes
This means you don’t need to worry as a car owner if you have comprehensive car insurance and face losses due to natural calamities. This insurance will help you if your car is submerged in rainwater, destroyed in floods, or hit by a hailstorm. In short, you are totally covered.
Stay Safe & Smart
While insurance offers a financial safety net, prevention is always better than cure. Here are practical steps you can take to minimize damage and risk during severe weather events:
- Avoid parking under trees, billboards, or weak structures.
- Use hail-resistant car covers or park in covered areas.
- Stay updated through reliable weather apps and alerts.
- Secure home garages and remove loose outdoor items.
- Postpone driving during severe weather unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep your car insurance comprehensive and policy updated.
- Store an emergency kit in your car with essentials.
- Follow NDMA and local authorities for real-time instructions.
- Move vehicles to higher ground during heavy rain to avoid flooding.
- Inspect your car post-storm and document damages for insurance claims.
The hailstorm in Islamabad served as a wake-up call. As extreme weather becomes more frequent due to climate change, taking proactive steps to protect your vehicle — and yourself — is essential.
Stay safe, stay insured, and stay informed.
