'Golf ball-sized' hailstones damage roofs and cars

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'Golf ball-sized' hailstones damage roofs and cars1 hour ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleHolly Rattley ,WiltshireandSue Davies , Radio WiltshireSharon DawsResident Sharon Daws kept the "golf ball-sized" hailstones in her freezer as proof for her insurer Hail the size of golf balls left holes in conservatory roofs and dents in cars after a storm described as "like something out of a movie". The hailstorm hit the market town of Melksham, in Wiltshire, in the early hours of Thursday. "We've got two cars absolutely covered my conservatory looks like it's got bullet holes all over it," said resident Sharon Daws, who kept some of the hailstones in her freezer as proof for her insurers.

"We thought it was a bomb attack... "Mandy Milsom, also from the town, said the storm was "like something out of a movie" and it was "impossible" to count the holes in her conservatory roof. More from WiltshireNotorious murder case papers acquired by museum Supercomputers once worth millions to be auctionedDriving ban for woman after cyclist 'left for dead'Mandy MilsomMilsom said it would be "impossible" to count the holes in her conservatory roofMilsom - who said her insurer was coming to assess the polycarbonate roof - said her husband was the "17th person" to contact the insurance company by 09:00 BST on Thursday.

The Details

Resident Catherine Fallon said she had received a figure "in excess of £10,000" to get one of her cars repaired and there were about "150 dents" in another. Fallon - who is a driving instructor and had two cars covered in dents - said she was concerned her insurance premium would increase. "We've got about 150 dents circled with pink pen," she said.

Catherine FallonCatherine Fallon said one of her cars had about "150 dents"Layla Deveney, from Melksham Insurance Brokers, said it had been the busiest period she had experienced in 20 years. "Over 50 people came in... the phones just rang constantly," she said.

"As far as we know insurers are dealing with the claims as quickly as they can but obviously it's going to have an impact on the SN12 postcode in the next couple of years. "Does insurance cover storm damage? According to Money Saving Expert, most home insurance policies cover repair costs.

What Experts Say

However, they can be "quite picky about what counts as a storm" and may require proof that damage was caused by weather. Comprehensive car insurance should cover storms but "glass damage" is often not included and any claim would be likely to affect any no claims bonus. Compare Insurance expert Nathan Blackler said: "Take photos of the damage as soon as it's safe to do so...

the more proof you have the better. "Then get in contact with your insurer straightaway. "Gavin BaileyHailstorms of this scale are fairly rare in the UKSome residents in nearby Chippenham also reported property damage.

West forecaster Ian Fergusson said: "Such large hail is fairly rare in the UK but certainly not unprecedented.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.