Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Comprehensive car insurance typically covers hail damage. After assessing and documenting the damage with photos and videos, file a claim promptly to ensure efficient processing and repairs.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Edited by Casie McCoskey

Updated: July 25, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Comprehensive car insurance will typically cover hail damage to your vehicle. This type of coverage pays for damage caused by events outside your control, like hail, theft or vandalism. Note that liability-only insurance won't cover hail damage because it only pays for the other driver's costs if you're at fault in an accident.

After you pay your deductible, comprehensive coverage will help pay to repair dents or a broken windshield from hail. File a claim as soon as you notice any dents. However, if the damage seems superficial and only requires paintless dent repair, it might not be worth filing a claim. Get a second opinion from a reputable auto body shop before making a decision, as even minor dents can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars to repair.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to File a Hail Damage Car Insurance Claim
Why Hail Damage Claims May Be Denied
When to File a Hail Damage Claim
How Hail Damage Claims Affect Insurance
FAQ

Key Takeaways

Comprehensive car insurance usually covers hail damage, while liability-only insurance does not.

File a claim for hail damage if the repairs are costly or affect your car's safety or functionality.

Minor damage may not be worth claiming, as it could ultimately increase your premiums.

How to File a Hail Damage Car Insurance Claim

Keep all documentation of your car's hail damage, including photos, repair estimates and communication with your insurer. This will be helpful if any issues arise when you file a claim:

1
Assess the Damage
Carefully inspect your vehicle for dents, dings and other damage caused by the hailstorm. Take photos and videos from multiple angles to document the extent of the damage.
2
Contact Your Insurer
Reach out to your car insurance company as soon as possible to report the hail damage and start the claims process. You can typically file a claim online, through a mobile app or by phone.
3
Schedule an Inspection
Your insurer will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and provide an estimate for repairs. Be present during the inspection to point out any damage the adjuster might miss.
4
Review the Estimate
Carefully review the adjuster's estimate to ensure all damage is accounted for. If you disagree with the estimate, you can negotiate or get a second opinion from an independent auto body shop.
5
Get Your Car Repaired
Once you agree on the estimate, you can choose a repair shop to fix your car. Your insurer will typically pay the repair shop directly minus your deductible.

If the payout offered by the insurance adjuster seems too low, especially for extensive damage, don't hesitate to negotiate for a fair amount or consider hiring your own public car insurance adjuster to advocate for you.

Why Hail Damage Claims May Be Denied

Your insurer may deny claims for hail damage for various reasons, potentially due to issues with coverage or policy terms. Here are some common scenarios that could lead to a denial:

Policy Exclusions

Your insurance policy may not cover hail damage if it lacks comprehensive coverage, which covers non-collision-related incidents.

Policy Limits and High Deductibles

Your insurer may partially or fully deny claims that exceed your policy limits. On the other hand, making a claim may be financially impractical if the repair costs don't exceed your deductible.

Late Filing

Delaying the filing of your claim beyond the insurer's specified timeframe can lead to denial.

Pre-Existing Damage

The insurer might argue that the damage existed before the hailstorm, especially if you haven't regularly maintained your vehicle.

Failure to Maintain the Vehicle

Neglecting regular maintenance or existing damage can lead to claim denial if it contributed to the extent of the hail damage.

Incorrect Information

Providing inaccurate or incomplete information on your claim forms can lead to denial.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CLAIM IS DENIED

If your insurer denies the claim, carefully review the denial letter to understand why. Gather additional evidence, such as photos, repair estimates or weather reports, if the denial is due to lack of proof.

You can request a re-inspection from your insurer or formally appeal the decision with supporting documentation. Consider hiring a public adjuster or lawyer to help you navigate the process. If all else fails, file a complaint with your state insurance department. They can investigate and ensure you receive the coverage you're entitled to.

When to File a Hail Damage Claim

If the hail damage is minor and repairs would likely cost less than your deductible, paying for repairs out of pocket might be cheaper. Generally, filing a car insurance claim for hail damage is recommended if:

The Damage Is Extensive

Multiple dents, broken glass or damage to the paintwork likely warrant a claim.

Repair Costs Exceed the Deductible

If repairs are costly, your insurance can help cover the expenses.

The Car's Safety or Functionality Is Compromised

You should promptly address hail damage to lights, mirrors or other essential components by filing an insurance claim for repairs.

The Car Is Leased or Financed

If you’re leasing or financing your vehicle, the terms often require you to maintain the vehicle’s condition, making it necessary to file a claim for hail damage.

You Plan on Selling the Car

If you plan to sell your vehicle, repairing hail damage through an insurance claim can help maintain or increase its resale value.

You're Uncertain About the Extent of the Damages

A professional assessment can help you determine if a claim is necessary. If you change your mind, you can cancel your car insurance claim if you haven’t cashed your payout yet.

If the damage is minor, skipping a claim can save you from a potential rate increase. Frequent claims can affect your premiums, so consider this before filing a car insurance claim for hail damage.

IS HAIL COVERAGE WORTH IT?

If you live in a state prone to hailstorms, like Nebraska, Colorado or Wyoming, consider comprehensive insurance. This coverage can save you money on repairs for weather-related damage, like hail.

How Hail Damage Claims Affect Insurance

Filing a car insurance claim for hail damage can affect your insurance coverage and premiums. These potential impacts include:

Increased Premiums

While a single hail damage claim may not significantly impact your rates, multiple claims within a short period could lead to higher premiums.

Loss of Discounts

Some insurers offer discounts for claim-free driving records — you might lose these if you file a claim.

Surcharge Application

In some cases, insurers may apply a surcharge to your premium after a hail damage claim, even if it's your first claim.

Policy Non-Renewal

In rare cases, if you have multiple claims within a short period, your insurer might choose not to renew your policy.

Consider these potential impacts to determine if it's worth filing an insurance claim for hail damage to your car.

FAQ About Car Insurance and Hail Damage

We've answered some of the most common questions on filing a hail damage car insurance claim to help you understand the process and get your car repaired:

How long do you have to file a hail claim with your car insurance?

Most policies require you to report the damage "promptly," usually within a few days to a week. Check your policy for specific deadlines to avoid potential denial of your claim.

How do you negotiate a car insurance claim for hail damage?

To negotiate a hail damage claim, gather all necessary documentation, including photos and repair estimates from respected auto body shops. You can also consult a public adjuster to advocate for you and potentially secure a higher payout.

Will a hail damage claim affect your car insurance rates?

While a single hail damage claim typically won't significantly raise your rates, multiple claims in a short period might lead to a premium increase. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs or discounts for long-term customers, which could mitigate the impact.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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sources

National Severe Storms Laboratory. "Severe Weather 101 — Hail." Accessed July 25, 2024.