Cars bore the brunt of last week’s freak hailstorm, according to one of Malta’s biggest insurance companies.

This damage is fully covered by comprehensive insurance

Gasan Mamo Insurance said that as of Monday afternoon it had received more than 300 claims on cars damaged by hail.

“It is too early to determine the final cost but it is expected to exceed €400,000,” Francis Valletta, general manager of Gasan Mamo’s Motor Division, said.

Hailstones the size of tennis balls were reported to have fallen in certain localities when the storm hit the north and east of the island at around midday on January 15.

Gasan Mamo received claims for vehicles damaged in Mosta, Naxxar, Burmarrad, Pembroke, Madliena, Għargħur and Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, which were the worst hit areas.

Other insurance firms contacted said it was still too early to calculate the cost.

The Times visited the damaged cars of a mother and daughter in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. Laura Mallia, 37, made an insurance claim after her Fiat took a pounding, causing dents all over.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the extent of the damage,” she said.

Her 67-year-old mother also filed a claim for damage to her Toyota. They are now waiting for a surveyor to calculate the cost of the damage.

Mr Valletta said his staff members were making every effort to assist and advise policyholders, adding hail damage was fully covered by comprehensive insurance.

“We are assessing alternative repair methods carried out by specialists that are not only speedier but do not require the repaired parts to be repainted,” he said.

Gasan Mamo had also received 56 non-motor claims for hail damage, which were estimated to cost about €55,000.

Middlesea Insurance confirmed last week that it had received “a number” of claims on property and vehicles damaged by the hailstorm.

Asked for an update this week, it said it was still collating information and most damaged cars still needed surveying.

Given the “exceptional nature” of the storm, the Malta Insurance Association said it had requested data from its members to understand the extent of the damage.

“As you may appreciate, customers may take a while to consider whether to lodge a claim or not, which is why we would normally allow a couple of weeks before such data is compiled,” MIA director general Adrian Galea said.