Hail Damage And Auto Insurance: What You Need To Know

If you're unlucky enough to have your car damaged by hail, you may be wondering if your insurance will cover the cost of repairs. The good news is that, in most cases, your car insurance will cover hail damage – but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from damage caused by events outside of your control, such as severe weather, vandalism, theft, and falling objects. While it's not mandatory to have comprehensive coverage, it's a good idea, especially if you live in an area prone to hailstorms or if your car is worth more than $3,000.

Comprehensive coverage

The cost of comprehensive coverage can vary, but the average cost is about $170. It's important to note that comprehensive coverage is not typically included in a state minimum policy, so you may need to pay extra for it.

If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, comprehensive coverage can provide valuable protection for your vehicle. However, it's worth noting that if you make a hail damage claim, your insurance rate may increase when you renew your policy. This is because insurance companies consider the number of claims on your record when determining rates.

To file a claim for hail damage, follow these steps:

• Start your claim as soon as possible after the hail damage occurs, either online, through a mobile app, or over the phone.
• Include photos or videos of all the hail damage on your car.
• Find out your repair options and get a repair estimate from your chosen mechanic.
• Arrange payment by paying your comprehensive deductible, and your insurer will cover the remaining repair costs up to your limit.

Liability-only policies

If you have a liability-only auto insurance policy, your insurance company will not cover hail damage repairs. Liability-only policies only pay out for damage you cause to others.

Comprehensive coverage is an optional extra that you must pay for on top of your state minimum policy. It covers damage to your vehicle from events outside of your control, such as hail, vandalism, theft, and collisions with animals.

If you live in a state where hailstorms are common, you may want to consider adding comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage will increase your insurance payments slightly, but it could save you thousands of dollars in the event of significant hail damage.

If you decide to add comprehensive coverage to your policy, be aware that you will still need to pay a deductible amount before your insurer covers the rest of the repair costs. This is the amount you will need to pay out of pocket when you file a claim. The higher your deductible, the lower your insurance rates will be. Just make sure you can afford to pay that deductible.

Deductibles

If you have comprehensive insurance on your policy, your car insurance will likely cover hail damage. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle from events outside of your control, including hail and other weather-related damage. However, you will need to pay a deductible amount before your insurance company pays out for any damages.

A deductible is the amount you will need to pay out of pocket when you file a claim. The higher your deductible, the lower your insurance rates will be. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible, your car insurance company will pay $0 towards your damages, so there is no reason to make a claim. If your deductible is $500, you'll receive a $100 insurance check, so it's a judgment call as to whether it's worth making a claim.

The average auto insurance deductible is $500, but it can go as high as $1,500. If the cost of fixing dents and scratches from hail is just $200, it's probably better to pay out of pocket. However, more extensive damage is worth filing a claim for, especially if it chips the paint and leaves the metal underneath vulnerable to rust.

If your car is repairable, you will need to pay the deductible amount, and then insurance will pay for the rest of the repair. If your car is totaled, your insurer will pay out to you the car's actual cash value, minus your deductible.

If just your window or windshield has been damaged, you may be able to file a claim without a deductible, especially if it can be repaired and not replaced. Some insurance companies, such as Progressive and Geico, offer a no-deductible option for glass-only replacement claims in some states.

Claim processing times

• Document the damage: Take detailed photographs of all affected areas of your car from different angles and lighting conditions to thoroughly show the extent of the damage.
• Record the date and time of the storm: Note the date and time when the damage occurred, as this will be required by your insurance company.
• Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the damage as soon as possible and ask about the next steps according to your specific policy.
• Collect evidence: Gather weather reports from the day of the storm to support your claim and act as proof that the damage was caused by hail.
• Get a damage assessment: Have your car inspected by a professional to obtain an official estimate of the repair costs. Some insurance companies may require you to use their certified repair shops or send their own adjuster to assess the damage.
• Submit your claim: Provide your insurer with the collected evidence, the professional damage assessment, and any other required documents. Follow their guidance for any additional steps.

Remember that the number of claims you make can affect your insurance rates. If you have made other claims recently, the total number of claims may cause you to be seen as a higher risk, resulting in higher premiums. Therefore, it is important to consider whether the damage is minor and if the repair cost falls below your insurance deductible, as it may be more cost-effective to skip the claim and avoid potential premium increases.

Preventing hail damage

Hail can cause significant damage to your car, leaving you with a hefty bill for repairs. While it's not always possible to predict when a hailstorm will occur, there are some steps you can take to protect your vehicle.

The best way to shield your car from hail is to park it inside a garage or under a covered structure. If you don't have access to a garage, you can try to find temporary covered parking, such as at a gas station, parking deck, or under a bridge. Parking close to a building or under a tree can also provide some protection, as the building or tree can slow the velocity of the hail and reduce the impact.

If you're caught in a hailstorm while driving, it's important to find a safe place to pull over. Avoid trying to outrun the storm, as this could increase the impact of the hail on your car. Instead, look for a structure with a strong roof or an overpass to park under. You can also use blankets, quilts, or comforters to cover your car and protect it from hail damage. Moving blankets or furniture pads are particularly effective, as they are designed to absorb shock and provide a cushion. You can also use cardboard boxes, floor mats, or bags of potting soil to protect the fragile parts of your car, such as the windshield and windows.

Another option is to invest in a portable storm protector, such as an inflatable car cover, a hail blanket, or a mobile car tent. These can be stored in your trunk and deployed when a hailstorm is expected.

It's also important to stay informed about the weather forecast and be prepared to take action if a hailstorm is predicted. Acting quickly can help minimize the damage to your car.

Frequently asked questions