Does Vehicle Insurance Cover Auto Hail Damage?

In 2020 alone, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported 4,611 major hailstorms. The annual cost of auto hail-related damage for insurance companies runs into billions of dollars, but does your vehicle insurance cover hail damage? It might, depending on your policy. Read on to learn more about hail and the types of insurance that cover repairs.

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Understanding Hail

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Hail is a form of precipitation that occurs when ice forms in thunderstorm updrafts and falls back to earth. Updrafts can cause raindrops to freeze in the colder parts of the atmosphere, resulting in hailstones that damage vehicles, homes, and more.

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How Big Can Hail Get?

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Hailstones can range from the size of a pea to the size of a grapefruit. While smaller hailstones pose minimal risk, larger ones can cause significant damage.

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Does Vehicle Insurance Cover Auto Hail Damage?

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Hail frequently causes vehicle damage, and coverage depends on your insurance type. Here’s a breakdown of different vehicle insurance policies and their coverage for hail damage:

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Liability Insurance

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• Purpose: Covers damages to other parties’ vehicles or property and their medical bills if you are at fault in a collision.
• Hail Damage: Not covered.

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Collision Coverage

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• Purpose: Covers damage to your vehicle from collisions, regardless of fault.
• Hail Damage: Not covered.

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Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance

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• Purpose: Provides broad protection, including fire, theft, vandalism, and hail damage. Often mandatory for leased or financed vehicles.
• Hail Damage: Usually covered, but check your specific policy.

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Should You File an Auto Hail Claim?

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Deciding whether to file a claim depends on the damage extent. Hail damage can range from minor dents to total destruction. On average, hail damage repairs cost around $5,000. If the damage is less than your deductible, consider paying out-of-pocket.

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Will Your Premium Increase?

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Hailstorm claims are typically “no-fault,” so your premiums usually won’t increase.

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Filing an Auto Hail Claim

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To file a claim:

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1. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
2. A claims adjuster will assess the damage and determine coverage.

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How to Protect Your Vehicle from Hail

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• Garage Parking: Park in the garage before the storm.
• Alternative Shelters: Use nearby carports or parking structures at malls, hospitals, or theaters.
• Temporary Covers: Use blankets to cover your vehicle if no other options are available.

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Can the Damage Be Fixed?

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• Minor Damage: Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is effective for minor dents and preserves the paint.
• Major Damage: Larger dents and scratches may require more extensive repairs.

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What If Your Vehicle Is Totaled?

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If repair costs exceed your vehicle’s value, it is considered totaled. Comprehensive coverage will compensate you for the vehicle's value.

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Get Help with Hail Damage Repairs

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Does vehicle insurance cover auto hail damage? Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage. For minor damage, consider paying out-of-pocket. For extensive damage, we can help.

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At 48-Hour Auto Hail Repair, we offer:

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• A free 3-Minute Estimate online.
• A free 1-Hour Custom Estimate at our shop.
• Coverage of your deductible for the first 200 customers with full coverage insurance.

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Contact Us Today

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For more information or to get started, contact us today. We'll help you restore your vehicle to its pre-hail condition.