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In 2021, there were over 3,700 hail storms in the US, which together caused billions of dollars worth of damage. If you're one of the thousands of car owners whose vehicle has been hit by hail, you might be wondering what to do next — and if your insurance policy covers the damage.
Like all things insurance, the answer depends on your situation. If you’ve got the right type of coverage, chances are your car insurance policy covers hail damage. (And if you have comprehensive car insurance, then those chances increase by a lot).
If, after a hail storm, you notice some dings and dents, the first thing you should do is speak with your provider. An agent will be able to advise you on what your policy covers.
The short and sweet answer: Yes, hail damage can be covered by auto insurance. That said, it depends on the type of coverage you have, so you’ll want to look into your specific policy details. If you have comprehensive car insurance, for instance, you are likely covered from hailstorm damage.
Other than covering repair or replacement costs when your car gets damaged in an accident, comprehensive insurance covers damage from falling objects, including hail. So you can file a claim for hail damage that causes dents in your vehicle’s body, damaged interior, cracked windshield, broken sunroof, and more.
If you notice damage to your car after a hailstorm, you can contact your insurance agent to report the claim. That being said, you may first want to consider whether or not it’s worth it to file a claim.
To file or not to file, that is the question! Only you can answer based on your insurance rates, budget, and the cost of the repairs themselves. Let’s break it down.
First, whether you can file an insurance claim depends on the amount of damage done to the car. One important calculus to keep in mind: Repairs from a hailstorm can average around $3,000, so if you’re planning to make a claim, you’ll want to make sure the cost of damage exceeds the cost of your deductible.
If your deductible is higher than what it would cost you to pay to repair your car yourself, it may not be worth a claim. (For example, you’ll want to pay for the repairs yourself if your deductible is $500, but the cost of repairing the hail-damaged windshield is $130.) The same might be true if the repair cost is only slightly higher than the deductible. Why is that the case? Because filing a claim can raise your insurance rates after the fact.
Another thing to think about is the cash value of your car. If you’re driving a beat up old junker (no offense!), it might not be worth paying for repairs.
Overall, you’ll want to first understand the projected cost of repairs before filing a claim. If it’s going to be cheaper to repair your vehicle out of pocket and you have the funds to do so, that could be the best course of action. If the damage is extensive and expensive, you’ll want to make a claim and let your insurance company foot the bill.
The best way to avoid hail damage is to avoid hailstones. Easier said than done, especially since hail storms are unpredictable and extreme weather events are on the rise. Still, there are two things you can do to help mitigate the damages,
Don’t park your car outside! Not only will this help prevent theft, vandalism, and accidental dents, but it will also save you from weather-related damage.
For car owners who don’t have access to a garage, there are car covers designed specifically to prevent hail damage. Plus, you can (try) to be extra suave when you pull back the cover.
If hail is common where you live, try to keep your car covered. Wondering how else to keep your car safe from hail rocks and other weather systems? Comprehensive coverage will save future you from paying for the damages. Now doesn’t that sound good?
If you need help selecting an auto policy, look no further than Marble, where you can get insurance quotes from multiple providers, shop coverage options, and earn rewards just for having insurance. Sign up today!
