will insurance cover hail damage car

You’re driving home when the sky turns an ominous shade of gray. Suddenly, the pitter-patter on your roof intensifies into a deafening roar as golf ball-sized hail begins to pummel your car. Your heart sinks. After the storm passes, you survey the damage: a windshield with a spiderweb of cracks and a roof and hood that look like they’ve been on the losing end of a baseball bat fight. The first question that likely pops into your mind is a very practical one: will insurance cover hail damage car?

The good news is that in most cases, the answer is yes. However, the type of insurance policy you carry makes all the difference. Navigating the claims process can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make things much smoother.

Comprehensive Coverage is Your Key

Hail damage is almost always covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy. Think of comprehensive coverage as protection against the unexpected things that happen to your car when you’re not driving—like theft, vandalism, falling objects, and, you guessed it, hail. If you only carry liability insurance, which is the minimum required by most states, you are not covered for hail damage. It’s a good idea to double-check your policy details or give your agent a quick call to confirm what protection you have in place.

What to Expect in the Claims Process

Once you’ve confirmed you have comprehensive coverage, the next step is to file a claim. Start by taking clear photos and videos of all the damage from multiple angles. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the process. They will typically assign an adjuster to assess the damage and provide an estimate for repairs. From there, you can take your vehicle to a trusted body shop to get it fixed. Remember, you will be responsible for paying your comprehensive deductible before the insurance covers the rest.

Will Insurance Cover Hail Damage Car Repairs Fully?

This depends on the extent of the damage and your deductible. For minor dings, the repair cost might be close to or even less than your deductible, making it wiser to pay out-of-pocket to avoid a potential premium increase. For more severe damage, like a shattered windshield or extensive body dimpling, your insurance will cover the cost that exceeds your deductible. Some policies even have special provisions for windshield repair with a lower or zero deductible, so it’s always worth asking.

Finding hail damage on your car is never a pleasant experience. But knowing that your comprehensive insurance policy has you covered can provide significant peace of mind. By understanding your coverage and the simple steps to file a claim, you can get your car back to its pre-storm condition and get back on the road with confidence.