Auto Insurance: Hail Damage Covered?

Hail can cause extensive damage to vehicles, from shattering windshields to denting roofs. The good news is that if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of repairing hail damage. Comprehensive coverage protects your car from events outside of your control, including hail, natural disasters, and falling objects. Without this type of coverage, your car insurance will probably not cover hail damage repairs. It's important to document the damage with photos and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.

Comprehensive coverage

If your car is damaged by hail, it is important to document the damage with photographs and contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. Your insurance company may direct you to a specific repair shop, or you can choose your own, but be aware that the repair process can take several weeks. In the meantime, you may need to rent a car, and your insurance company may cover this cost if you have rental car reimbursement coverage.

Minimum insurance

If you have purchased the minimum required amounts of car insurance, hail damage is typically not covered. These minimum amounts only provide liability insurance, which pays for someone else's medical bills and vehicle damage after a car accident. This means that if you only have the minimum insurance, you will have to pay out of pocket for any hail damage repairs.

Liability insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle, and hail damage can be expensive to fix. Depending on the extent of the damage and the method of repair, you could be facing a bill of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Small dents caused by hail can cost around $30-$40 per impact to fix, while larger dents can cost $50-$100+ each. If your entire vehicle is covered in dents, these costs can quickly add up.

Additionally, hail damage can reduce the resale value of your car. If you are planning to sell your vehicle, it is worth considering getting the hail damage repaired, even if you have to pay for it yourself. Potential buyers may be put off by the aesthetic damage caused by hail, and you could lose out on a higher selling price.

To avoid these costs, you may want to consider purchasing comprehensive insurance. This type of coverage will protect you from a variety of losses, including hail damage. It is typically not required by law, but it can be a smart investment, especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent hailstorms. Comprehensive insurance usually only costs an extra $100 to $300 per year, which is much less than the average price of repairing hail damage.

With comprehensive insurance, you can file a claim to have your insurance company cover the cost of repairs, minus your deductible and up to your policy's limit. It is important to note that filing a claim may cause your insurance rates to increase when you renew your policy. However, if you live in a hail-prone area, your insurer may raise the cost of your comprehensive coverage anyway, as there is a higher likelihood of weather-related claims.

Rental car reimbursement

If you're renting a car and are concerned about hail damage, it's important to know what to do in case of an unexpected hailstorm. Here are some detailed instructions to protect yourself and your rental car:

Before Driving:

• Check the weather forecast, especially if you're in an area prone to hailstorms, such as the Midwest and mountain states, also known as Hail Alley. Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming tend to experience more hailstorms than other states.
• If renting a car in an area prone to hail, consider purchasing rental car insurance or opting for a rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW). This will protect you financially in case of any hail-related damage.
• Before leaving the rental lot, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any pre-existing damage. Take detailed photos and videos of the car from multiple angles, including close-ups of any noticeable scratches, dents, or issues. Ensure the footage is time-stamped.

During a Hailstorm:

• If you find yourself driving during a hailstorm, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Try to park in a covered area, such as under a bridge or in a parking garage, to minimize the vehicle's exposure to hail.
• If anyone is travelling with you, ensure they are not injured by broken glass or other potential consequences of the storm.

After the Storm:

• Once the storm has passed, carefully evaluate any damage to the rental vehicle. Document and measure all damages, including windshield cracks, dents, and broken lights. Take comprehensive photos and videos of any damage, regardless of how minor it may seem.
• Contact the rental car company and inform them of the situation and the damage incurred. Ask for their guidance on the next steps and any repair or replacement processes.
• If the damage is significant and the car is unsafe to drive, contact roadside assistance. If you purchased the rental company's roadside assistance service, use their number. Alternatively, you may have access to this service through memberships like AAA or AARP or through certain credit cards.
• If you have personal auto insurance, check your coverage limit and deductible. Hail damage is typically covered under a comprehensive package, and if your policy extends to car rentals, you are covered up to your coverage limit.

Remember, when renting a car, you are generally responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Taking detailed photos and videos before and after renting the car can help protect you from unfair damage claims. Additionally, always review the rental company's policies and your own insurance coverage to understand your financial responsibility in the event of hail damage.

Deductibles

If you have comprehensive coverage, your car insurance will likely cover hail damage. Comprehensive coverage is also known as "other than collision" coverage because it covers most types of damage that aren't related to a collision, including hail and other weather-related damage. However, you will need to pay a deductible before your insurance provider pays anything.

A deductible is the amount you will pay out of pocket when you file a claim. The higher your deductible, the lower your rates will be. Just make sure you can afford to pay that deductible. The average deductible is around $500, but they can go as high as $1,500. If you have a higher deductible, your insurance provider will cover the rest of the costs up to the comprehensive coverage limit you've selected.

If your car is repairable, you will have 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, like Progressive and Geico, offer a no-deductible option for glass-only replacement claims in some states.

In general, if you only purchased the minimum required amounts of car insurance in your state, hail damage is not covered. The minimum required amounts only provide liability insurance to pay for someone else's medical bills and vehicle damage after a car accident. Comprehensive coverage is not required by law, but it is required by most loan and leasing companies.

Repair options

If your car has been damaged by hail, you should document the incident by taking photographs and writing down details such as the date, time, location, and nature of the damage. Then, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Your insurance company may direct you to a specific vehicle repair shop, or you can find a reputable shop near you to obtain an estimate for repairs. This estimate will determine the value of your insurance claim.

Ask the auto shop about Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). This procedure involves trained technicians using special tools and metal rods to remove dents without replacing panels on your vehicle. PDR is a good option for minor damage and can be more affordable than other repair methods. It may take one to three days to repair a lighter dent, or three to four weeks for larger repairs.

If the hail damage has created larger dents, a more expensive type of repair is likely needed. These repairs can be time-consuming and costly, with the average cost of an insurance claim for hail damage repair being $3,000. Some repair methods include using a heat gun to gently warm the dented areas and then quickly treating them with a very cold element like dry ice to contract the metal and push out the dent. Another method is using suction-cup pulling tools, which can be suctioned directly onto the dent and then pulled up to smooth the surface.

While your car is being repaired, you may need to rent a vehicle. Ask your insurance company if they will cover these costs.

Frequently asked questions