A sudden hailstorm can leave your car covered in dents, broken glass, or damaged paint. If this happens, your first thought might be about repairs. But your next question may be just as important does hail damage increase car insurance? The short answer is sometimes yes, but not always.
Hail damage is usually covered by comprehensive insurance, which protects against weather events, theft, vandalism, and other non-collision incidents. While filing a claim for hail damage may help pay for repairs, it could affect your insurance rates depending on where you live, your claims history, and your insurer’s policy.
In this article, we will explain how hail damage affects your car insurance, what is covered under comprehensive coverage, how to file a claim, how much repairs cost, and how to protect your vehicle in the future. We will also answer common questions drivers ask about hail-related claims and rate increases.
What Is Hail Damage?
Hail is frozen rain that falls during thunderstorms. Hailstones can range in size from small pebbles to golf balls or even larger. When hail hits your car, it can cause visible dents, cracked windshields, broken side mirrors, and chipped paint.
Even a quick storm can lead to expensive repairs. The most commonly damaged parts of a vehicle during hail include:
- Roof
- Hood
- Trunk
- Windshield
- Side panels
- Lights and mirrors
Unlike damage from an accident, hail damage is unpredictable and can happen even when your car is parked.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Yes, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance is optional but highly recommended especially if you live in an area that sees frequent hailstorms.
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from:
- Hail
- Windstorms
- Falling objects
- Fire
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Animal collisions
If you have only liability or collision coverage, hail damage will not be covered.
Will Filing a Hail Damage Claim Increase My Rates?
This depends on several factors. In general, comprehensive claims like hail damage do not raise your insurance premium as much as collision or liability claims. However, every insurer has its own rules.
Your Rates May Not Go Up If:
- The hailstorm is considered an act of nature or unavoidable
- You have not filed previous claims recently
- Your insurance company does not penalize for weather-related damage
- You live in a state that restricts rate increases for no-fault claims
Your Rates May Go Up If:
- You file multiple claims within a short time
- You live in a high-risk area for hailstorms
- Your insurer considers all claims when setting future rates
- The cost of your claim is very high
Some companies may apply a comprehensive claims surcharge, while others may not. Ask your insurer directly to understand how they treat weather-related claims.
How Much Does Hail Damage Repair Cost?
Repair costs for hail damage vary depending on the size of the hail, the number of dents, and the type of car you drive.
Here is a breakdown of average costs:
| Damage Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Small dents (paintless repair) | 100 to 500 dollars |
| Multiple dents (per panel) | 500 to 1,500 dollars |
| Broken windshield | 200 to 400 dollars |
| Full roof replacement | 1,000 to 2,000 dollars |
| Full body repair and repaint | 3,000 to 7,000 dollars |
Your insurance deductible will also affect how much you pay out of pocket.
Should You File a Claim for Hail Damage?
Filing a claim makes sense if:
- The damage is expensive to repair
- You have comprehensive coverage
- The repair cost is more than your deductible
If the repair cost is close to or less than your deductible, it may be better to pay out of pocket and avoid filing a claim.
Example: If your deductible is 1,000 dollars and the repair cost is 1,200 dollars, your insurance may only cover 200 dollars. In that case, you might choose not to file a claim to avoid any potential impact on your premium.
How to File a Hail Damage Claim
Follow these steps to file a hail damage claim:
Step 1: Document the Damage
- Take clear photos of all affected parts of the car
- Include wide shots and close-up images
- Note the date, time, and location of the hailstorm
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider
- Call your insurer or use their app or website
- Report the incident and provide the details
- Ask whether filing the claim will affect your rate
Step 3: Get a Repair Estimate
- Your insurer may send an adjuster
- You can also take your car to a certified body shop
- Compare estimates if needed
Step 4: Approve Repairs
Once the claim is approved, you can move forward with the repair. You will pay your deductible first, and the insurer will cover the remaining cost.
What If You Do Not Have Comprehensive Coverage?
If you only have liability or collision insurance, hail damage will not be covered. In that case, you must pay for repairs out of pocket or file a claim with another party though that is rare for hail.
You can add comprehensive coverage to your policy at any time. It is usually affordable, and many drivers find the peace of mind worth the cost especially in states like Texas, Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas, where hail is common.
States Where Hail Damage Is Most Common
Some states experience more hailstorms than others. If you live in one of these areas, comprehensive coverage is highly recommended:
| State | Annual Hail Events | High-Risk Cities |
| Texas | Over 600 | Dallas, Fort Worth |
| Colorado | Over 300 | Denver, Colorado Springs |
| Nebraska | Over 200 | Omaha, Lincoln |
| Kansas | Over 200 | Wichita, Topeka |
| Missouri | Over 180 | St. Louis, Kansas City |
If you move to a high-risk area, let your insurance provider know. They may adjust your premium, and you should review your coverage needs.
Tips to Prevent Hail Damage
You cannot stop the weather, but you can reduce the risk of damage by being prepared.
Park in a Garage or Covered Area
Whenever possible, keep your vehicle in a garage or under a carport to avoid direct impact from hailstones.
Use a Car Cover
A thick, padded car cover designed for hail protection can absorb some of the impact and reduce damage.
Monitor the Weather
Use a weather app to track storm alerts. If a hailstorm is predicted, move your car to a safe place ahead of time.
Avoid Parking Under Trees
While trees can provide some cover, they may drop branches or debris during storms, causing more damage.
Can Hail Damage Be Repaired Without Repainting?
Yes. Paintless dent repair is a common method for fixing hail damage. This technique works by gently pushing dents out from the inside of the panel without affecting the paint. It is faster and cheaper than traditional bodywork.
However, paintless repair only works if:
- The paint is not chipped or cracked
- The dents are not too deep or sharp
- The metal is not stretched or torn
Ask your body shop if this method is right for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Visible hail damage can lower your car’s resale or trade-in value. Even if the car still runs fine, cosmetic damage affects its market price.
Small dents may be fixed with DIY kits, but professional repair is recommended. Improper fixes can make the damage worse or reduce the car’s value.
It is unlikely. Most insurers will not cancel your policy for a single comprehensive claim. However, too many claims in a short time may raise red flags.
If you live in a hail-prone area, comprehensive coverage is a smart choice. It protects your car from many non-collision risks, not just hail.
Final Thoughts
Hail damage can be expensive and frustrating, but the right insurance coverage makes it easier to recover. If you have comprehensive car insurance, hail damage is usually covered, and filing a claim will not always raise your premium. The best approach is to know your coverage, document the damage, and talk to your insurer before making a decision.
Protecting your vehicle from weather risks is just as important as protecting it from accidents. If you want to find affordable car insurance that includes full protection from hail and other unexpected events, visit Alias Insurance. We help you compare trusted insurance plans that keep your car safe rain or shine.
