How to File a Car Insurance Claim After Hail Damage

If hail damage affects your car, how easy is it to file an insurance claim?

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Our guide walks you through the process step-by-step. Hail-related losses cost insured Americans between $8 billion and $14 billion annually. This includes damages to homes, vehicles, and other property.

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If your vehicle has recently sustained hail damage, it could range from minor dents to major destruction depending on the storm. Fortunately, with car insurance, you may not need to bear the full cost of repairs. In this guide, we’ll explain how to file a car insurance claim for hail damage and outline what you can expect throughout the process.

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Step 1: Document the Hail Damage

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Start by thoroughly documenting the hail damage to your vehicle. Take detailed photos and videos and write down any notes describing the extent of the damage.

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If the damage is purely cosmetic, avoid making repairs before filing your claim. The evidence you collect will serve as a timestamp, linking the damage to the hailstorm. While waiting to file your claim, you may want to get quotes from repair shops to estimate costs.

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Step 2: Check Your Policy

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Check your insurance policy to see if it includes comprehensive auto coverage, often referred to as "Other Than Collision" insurance. This type of policy covers weather-related damage, including hail, as well as theft and vandalism.

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Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay your deductible before receiving a payout. Compare your deductible amount to the cost of repairs. If your deductible exceeds the repair costs, it might be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket rather than filing a claim.

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Step 3: File the Claim

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If the hail damage is significant or if you’re paying off a vehicle loan, filing a claim is likely your next step. Many lenders require you to repair damage to protect the vehicle’s value, and settlement checks may be issued jointly to you and the lender.

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For severe damage that renders your vehicle undrivable, filing a comprehensive insurance claim is a must. Contact your insurance provider to begin the process and follow their instructions carefully. Each company has its own set of forms and steps, so be sure to ask about specific requirements and the potential impact on your insurance rates.

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In most cases, natural weather events like hail won’t increase your insurance premiums, as they are considered beyond your control.

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Step 4: Work With the Insurance Adjuster

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Once your claim is filed, an insurance adjuster will assess your vehicle's hail damage. They’ll determine whether the car is repairable or if it’s a total loss.

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If the damage is too extensive, you may receive a settlement check equal to your car’s actual cash value. If repairs are feasible, the adjuster will calculate a settlement amount to cover the repair costs.

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Step 5: Get Your Car Repaired

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Once your insurance company approves the repair, take your vehicle to a qualified repair shop. If you still owe a deductible, you’ll need to pay that amount before using the settlement to cover the remaining repair costs.

For windshield damage, many insurance companies waive deductibles if the glass only needs repair rather than replacement.

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File a Car Insurance Claim After Hail Damage

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Filing a car insurance claim after hail damage doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Now that you know the steps, you’ll be prepared to act confidently if your vehicle sustains damage during a storm.

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Looking for fast and reliable hail damage repair? 48-Hour Auto Hail Repair offers trusted services with a streamlined process. You can book a 1-Hour Custom Estimate at our shop. Plus, if you’re one of the first 200 customers after a storm and have full coverage insurance, we’ll pay your deductible up to $1,000.