What Happens If Your Vehicle Is Totaled From Hail Damage?

Learn everything you need to know about hail damage that results in a "total loss," including how to navigate insurance claims and your next steps.

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Hailstorms cause an estimated $15 billion in damage annually, impacting buildings, crops, personal belongings, and vehicles.

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While most hail damage is surface-level, severe cases can "total" a vehicle. In such situations, navigating the next steps and handling an insurance claim can feel overwhelming. If your car has been totaled by hail damage, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about "total loss" hail damage, what it means for your vehicle, and how it affects your insurance compensation.

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What Determines if a Car Is Totaled From Hail?

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Your insurance company determines if a vehicle is "totaled." First, an assessor evaluates the extent of the damage and estimates repair costs. They also consider the car’s age, condition, and type. Classic or collector cars are treated differently than vehicles that depreciate over time.

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Finally, they may evaluate "contributory negligence," where damage may be partially the driver's fault—though this is rarely relevant in hail damage cases.

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In general, if the repair cost reaches 70-75% of the vehicle's value, the car is deemed a "total loss," meaning repairs will not be covered.

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Why Only 70-75 Percent?

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Insurance companies set the threshold at 70-75% for practical reasons. Once they compensate you for the vehicle's value, they typically take ownership of the wrecked car. They may sell it to salvage companies to recover some of their costs.

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This approach also avoids the time and expenses of dealing with repair shops and negotiating rates. While this might result in a minor financial loss for the insurer, it simplifies the process overall.

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How Can Hail Total a Car?

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Hail damage primarily affects surface areas with dents, dings, chips, and scratches. While minor damage can often be repaired using techniques like paintless dent repair (PDR), extensive surface damage may result in a total loss.

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This is particularly true if dents are deep or folded, or if the paint is damaged, requiring more costly traditional repair methods. Additionally, if hail damage compromises safety features such as backup cameras or sensors, the increased repair costs can push the vehicle toward the total loss threshold.

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How to Know if Insurance Covers Hail Damage?

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Hail damage typically falls under comprehensive insurance, which also covers theft, vandalism, fire, and severe weather-related damage.

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• Liability coverage: Covers damage caused by the policyholder to others.
• Collision insurance: Covers damage to the policyholder's vehicle if they are at fault in an accident.

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If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, your insurance is unlikely to cover hail damage. It’s always worth asking your insurer if any part of your policy might apply.

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What to Do if Your Car Is a Total Loss?

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If your comprehensive policy covers hail damage and your car is deemed a total loss, your insurance company will compensate you for the vehicle's pre-damage value, minus the deductible.

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• Timeline: Compensation can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, though payment typically follows quickly after the determination.
• Salvage Option: If you wish to keep the totaled car, the insurer may deduct the vehicle's salvage value from your payout.

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Learn More About Hail Damage

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Now that you understand what to do when hail damage totals a vehicle, you can confidently navigate insurance claims and take the proper steps to receive compensation. Reputable repair companies can assist with the process and help you move forward.

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At 48-Hour Auto Hail Repair, we offer fast, high-quality dent repair backed by a lifetime warranty. We work with your insurance provider to streamline the process. Schedule a hail damage repair today and let us handle the rest.