Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage? (What You Need to Know)

Key Takeaway:

Yes, car insurance covers hail damage, but only if you have other-than-collision coverage. This optional insurance helps pay for repairs when bad weather damages your vehicle.

A sudden storm can ruin your day quickly. If ice balls start falling from the sky, you might worry about your vehicle. You need to know if your policy has you covered. Does car insurance cover hail damage when a bad storm hits your area?

Why Hail Damage Is a Big Deal for Your Car

Hail can look small, but it falls very fast. It can dent your hood, crack your windshield, and ruin your paint job. Many people do not realize how expensive these repairs can be.

A single storm can cause thousands of dollars in damage to a clean car. If you do not fix the dents, your car will lose its resale value. You can find excellent advice on smart money management tips to help you prepare for these unexpected expenses.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage with Basic Policies?

You must have other-than-collision coverage to get help with hail repairs. Liability insurance only covers damage you cause to other people's cars. Collision insurance only covers accidents with other vehicles or objects.

If you only have the basic legal minimum coverage, you will have to pay for hail repairs yourself. This special storm coverage is usually optional unless you are financing your car. Lenders want to protect their investment, so they require it. You can read our guide on car insurance basics to see how different coverages work together.

Cost of Hail Repairs Versus Deductibles

Before you file a claim, you should think about your deductible. Your deductible is the money you pay before insurance kicks in. If your deductible is one thousand dollars and the damage is eight hundred dollars, do not file a claim.

It makes more sense to pay for the repairs yourself in that case. Let's look at some common repair costs in a simple table. This will help you decide if filing a claim is a good choice.

How to File a Hail Damage Insurance Claim

Filing a claim is simple if you act fast. First, take clear photos of the damage from different angles. Do this as soon as the storm passes and it is safe to go outside. Taking photos of the hail next to a coin can show its size clearly.

Next, contact your insurance provider to report the storm. They will send a worker to look at your car. This worker will write an estimate for the repairs. After that, you can take your car to a repair shop.

Will Your Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Hail Claim?

Many drivers fear that their rates will rise after filing a claim. The good news is that hail is an act of nature. You could not prevent the storm from happening. Because of this, insurance companies usually do not raise your rates for a single storm claim.

However, if you file multiple claims in a short time, your rates might go up. Your insurance company might see you as a higher risk. It is best to check with your agent about your specific policy.

What Happens If Your Car Is Totaled by Hail?

Sometimes, the cost to fix the dents is more than the car is worth. If this happens, your insurance company will declare the car a total loss. They will pay you the actual cash value of your car minus your deductible.

You can use this money to buy a new vehicle. If you want to keep the damaged car, you can ask for a salvage title. This means you keep the car, but you get a smaller payment.

Tips to Protect Your Car From Hail Storms

The best way to handle hail is to avoid it completely. If you know a storm is coming, park your car in a garage or under a carport. You can also buy a special padded car cover designed for bad weather.

If you get caught driving, find a safe place to park under a bridge. Do not stop on the highway, as this can cause dangerous accidents. Taking these quick steps can save you a lot of time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions