When a hailstorm hits, your car can be left with serious dents, cracked windows, or even extensive body damage. The cost of repairs can add up fast. If you’re like most drivers, your first question after a storm is whether your car insurance will help cover the damage.
The answer depends on what type of coverage you carry. Let’s break down how car insurance handles hail damage so you know what protection you really have.
When Car Insurance Covers Hail Damage
Car insurance can cover hail damage, but only if you carry comprehensive coverage on your policy. Comprehensive insurance protects against non-collision events like weather damage, theft, and vandalism. If you only carry liability coverage, hail damage is not covered.
Typically, comprehensive coverage pays for hail damage that directly affects your vehicle. Once you pay your deductible, your insurer will help pay for repairs or, if the damage is extensive, offer a payout based on the actual cash value of your vehicle.
What’s Typically Covered by Comprehensive Insurance
With comprehensive coverage, your policy can help pay for common hail damage such as dents, cracked windows, and paint damage. In more severe cases, the policy can cover full replacement if your car is declared a total loss after an inspection.
What’s typically covered:
- Body panel dents from hailstones
- Cracked or broken windshields and windows
- Paint damage from hail impact
- Vehicle replacement if the car is totaled due to hail
Always check your deductible to see whether repair costs exceed your out-of-pocket expense.
When Hail Damage May Not Be Covered
Even with comprehensive coverage, your insurer might deny a claim under certain conditions. For example, if your coverage lapsed, your claim may be automatically denied. Delays in reporting hail damage can also complicate or void your claim. Damage from previous storms that was not reported can affect your current claim assessment. Routine wear and tear or pre-existing damage is never covered under standard car insurance policies.
How to File a Hail Damage Claim
After your vehicle is damaged in a hailstorm, take these important steps:
- Take photos of all visible damage from multiple angles
- Contact your insurance company promptly to report the claim
- Review your comprehensive coverage and deductible
- Work with your adjuster for an inspection or repair estimate
Filing your claim quickly and thoroughly documenting the damage can help you get repairs completed without unnecessary delays.
Protecting Your Car From Hail Damage
Preventing hail damage when possible can help avoid claims and protect your car’s value. Park in a garage or under a carport when storms are forecast. If you do not have covered parking, consider using a hail-resistant car cover. Paying attention to local weather alerts can give you a chance to move your vehicle out of harm’s way before a storm hits.
Is Comprehensive Coverage Worth It?
In areas prone to hailstorms, comprehensive coverage offers important protection at a relatively low cost. This coverage is designed to handle non-collision risks like hail, falling objects, vandalism, and theft. Without it, hail repair costs will fall entirely on you, which can be thousands of dollars after a major storm.
Know What Your Car Insurance Really Covers
Hail damage can happen with little warning. Reviewing your current policy helps ensure you know what’s protected and what isn’t before the next storm. If protecting your vehicle from weather-related damage matters to you, adding comprehensive coverage is a smart move.
Need help reviewing your auto insurance policy?
Contact InsuranceHub to speak with a licensed agent about protecting your vehicle against hail damage and more.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Please review your policy or speak with a licensed agent for personalized guidance.