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Hail damage is covered under comprehensive auto insurance, which protects against non collision events like weather and falling objects. If you only have liability coverage, you will be responsible for the full cost of repairs. When filing a claim, policyholders must pay their deductible first, and while a single hail claim is unlikely to drastically raise rates, frequent claims in high risk areas can impact future premiums.
When a major hailstorm rolls through, the sound of ice hitting metal can be sickening for a car owner. In a matter of minutes, a vehicle can go from pristine to looking like the surface of the moon. As severe weather events become more frequent, knowing how your car insurance policy works is very important.
CheapInsurance.com explains exactly which policies pay for hail, which states are the “Danger Zones,” and what to expect if you have to file a claim.
Where Does Hail Happen?
While hail can happen anywhere, certain states consistently lead with insurance claims. These areas are named by meteorologists, Hail Alley.
5 States with frequent Hail Claims
- Texas: Undisputed king of hail damage, with over 800 major events recorded in 2024 alone.
- Kansas: Frequently hit by hail storms that produce large, damaging stones.
- Missouri: Recently saw jump in claims due to intense spring storms.
- Colorado: Front Range area is a prime target for high-altitude hailstorms.
- Nebraska: High frequency of hail storms.
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The Coverage Gap: Comprehensive vs. Liability
It is important to know that Liability insurance does not cover hail. If you only have state-mandated minimum insurance, you’ll be paying for those dents out of your own pocket.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This is the only type of insurance that covers “Acts of God” like hail, floods, or fire. It is often called other than collision coverage.
- Deductible: You will have to pay your deductible first. If the repair costs $3,000 and your deductible is $500, the insurance company sends you a check for $2,500.
- Total Loss: Hail is famous for “totaling” cars. Because hail hits every panel of the car at once, the cost to fix all those tiny dents can sometimes exceed the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle.
Will a Claim Raise Your Car Insurance Rates?
Because a hailstorm isn’t your fault, many states prevent car insurance companies from raising your rate for a single weather claim. However, there are two ways it can still cost you:
- Regional Hikes: If a massive storm hits your entire city and everyone files a claim, insurance companies might raise rates for zip codes to cover their losses.
- Clue Report: Every claim you file goes onto your Clue report, which is a national database. If you have a history of frequent claims, you might be seen as a higher risk over time.
According to Fausto Bucheli Jr, a licensed insurance broker and owner of CheapInsurance.com, the math is clear.
“When drivers compare quotes, they are not just browsing, they are activating competition. Based on current savings data from leading comparison platforms, the average driver could save around $774 dollars per year simply by shopping smarter. That is real money staying in your pocket.”
How Do You Report A Hail Claim?
If the damage is done, act fast. Following a major storm, call your car insurance company and file a claim. Also, body shops fill up quickly.
- Documentation: Take photos and videos. Do not wash your car or try to pop the dents, before a claims adjuster sees them.
- Windshield: Hairline cracks in the windshield can spread. Many insurers offer a separate glass benefit that may have a $0 deductible.
- Repair Method:
- Paintless Dent Removal (PDR): Repair techs use tools to massage the metal back into place from the inside out, keeping your original paint intact.
- Bodywork: If hail rocks were large enough to crack the paint, traditional filling and repainting will be needed.
The Bottom Line: If you live in a high-risk state, having comprehensive coverage is a must. Hail storms can easily do $5,000 in damage, having coverage is well worth it.
Founded in California in 1974 as an insurance agency, CheapInsurance.com has spent decades helping people find affordable coverage. Over time, we became one of the first brokerages to go online in 1998, making insurance shopping faster and easier.
Our mission has always been simple: insurance is a basic necessity, not a luxury. That’s why our technology quickly scans the marketplace in seconds, compares rates, and uncovers discounts that might otherwise be missed. In addition, we explain coverage in clear, simple terms.
As a result, people get real options and can avoid overpaying for features they do not need, while still maintaining strong, reliable protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hail Damage and Car Insurance
Does car insurance cover hail damage?
Yes, car insurance can cover hail damage if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Comprehensive insurance pays for non-collision events such as hail, storms, falling objects, theft, vandalism, and fire. Liability-only coverage does not pay for damage to your own vehicle, including hail damage.
Will I have to pay a deductible for a hail damage claim?
In most cases, yes. Comprehensive claims are subject to the deductible you selected when buying your policy. If the cost to repair the hail damage is less than your deductible, insurance will not pay anything. If the repair cost exceeds the deductible, insurance typically pays the remaining amount.
Can a hail damage claim increase my insurance rates?
Hail damage is generally considered a no-fault comprehensive claim, meaning it usually does not increase rates the same way an at-fault accident might. However, frequent comprehensive claims or living in a hail-prone area can influence future premiums over time, depending on the insurer.
