Hail damage and auto insurance coverage

What kind of car insurance covers hail damage?

Comprehensive coverage is the type of car insurance that pays for hail damage. Liability insurance does not cover damage to your car, and collision coverageCollision coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of your car if it's damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault and is subject to a deductible. applies to crashes, not storms. If you want protection from hail, you need comprehensive coverage before the storm hits.

Collision coverage only applies in a collision, as the name implies.

Comprehensive is also known as “other than collision” coverage because it covers most types of damage that aren't related to a collision. That includes damage caused by severe weather, like hail damage.

How much does comprehensive insurance cost?

Comprehensive coverage costs about $451 a year on average and is the part of your policy that pays for hail damage. Full coverage car insurance costs about $2,578 a year, or $215 a month. It includes both comprehensive and collision coverage, and you will have to pay a deductible when you file a claim.

Comprehensive coverage has a deductible, which is the amount you will pay out of pocket when you file a claim. The higher your deductible, the lower your rates will be. Just make sure you can afford to pay that deductible.

If you don’t have comprehensive on your vehicle, you can compare car insurance quotes to see how much it will cost to add it.

How much is the average hail damage auto claim?

According to Stormwise, an auto body shop in Colorado, the average cost is about $6,750.

The range can be anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000.

Severe damage could result in a total loss, meaning the damage would cost more to repair than your car is worth. Even though your car is still drivable, the insurance company could total it.

How does hail damage insurance work?

Hail damage car insurance works through your comprehensive coverage. After a storm, document the damage, file a claim, let the adjuster inspect your car, and pay your deductible. Your insurer will pay the covered repair cost up to the car’s value, minus your deductible.

If your car has been damaged by hail, these are the steps that you can expect:

Check your coverage. You must have comprehensive insurance to file a hail damage claim.
Assess the damage. Check to see how serious the damage is and take pictures.
File a claim. Contact your insurance company and provide the details and photos of the damage.
Work with your adjuster. They may want to inspect the vehicle in person, and will also verify your coverage.
Pay the deductible and get your car fixed. Your insurance company will issue a settlement, minus your deductible. You'll have to pay that part of the repair cost.

If your car is a total loss, you may decide to keep it; if so, your insurance company will deduct the salvage value as well as your deductible from your settlement.

Will insurance cover my windshield damaged by hail?

Yes. Insurance covers hail damage to your windshield. Comprehensive coverage pays for windshield damage caused by hail. Your deductible may apply, but some policies or state glass rules may reduce or waive it for glass repair. If the windshield must be replaced, ask your insurer how your glass coverage applies.

In some cases, your insurance company may waive the deductible on the glass damage portion of your comprehensive insurance if it's a glass-only claim. It's common for insurers to waive the deductible if the windshield is being repaired instead of replaced. And, depending on the state, you may have the option to buy full glass coverage separately from your comprehensive, which would pay to fix hail-damaged windshields.

Does hail damage claim raise car insurance rates?

As a general rule, a claim for hail damage won't raise your insurance rates. That's because insurers see this type of damage as out of your control; there's nothing you could have done to prevent it.

However, you might see a rate increase due to:

Loss of a claim-free discount
Multiple claims in a short time

Can you add comprehensive coverage before hail season?

Yes, you can add comprehensive coverage before hail season; you can make changes to your auto insurance policy at any time, but the coverage is not retroactive. Once hail damage has already happened, adding comprehensive coverage will not allow you to make a claim. Coverage must be active before the damage occurs.

If you live in a hail-prone area and your car would be expensive to repair or replace, compare the cost of comprehensive coverage to your deductible and your vehicle's value to decide if it’s worth carrying.

FAQ: Car insurance and hail damage

Can I get comprehensive coverage just for hail season?

Yes, you can add or remove comprehensive coverage from your policy at any time. However, if you have a loan or lease on your car, you'll be required to maintain full coverage.

Are leased cars covered for hail?

Yes, your comprehensive coverage applies regardless of the ownership status of the vehicle.

Can I choose any repair shop?

Yes, you have the right to choose your repair shop. However, working with an approved shop may mean faster repairs and allow the insurance company to pay the shop directly.