Hail damage is typically covered under comprehensive auto insurance, which protects your vehicle from non-collision events like storms, falling objects, or vandalism. While there isn’t a separate “hail damage policy,” adding comprehensive coverage ensures that repairs for dents, cracked windshields, or other storm-related damage are included in your protection. For more details, refer to our Hail Damage Car Quick Guide 2025.
Hailstorms can strike fast, dropping ice the size of pebbles or even softballs. The impact can leave your vehicle with anything from a few small dents to serious body damage.
The good news: If you carry comprehensive coverage, hail damage is typically covered after you pay your deductible.
The downside: During hail season, many policyholders file claims at the same time, which can slow the claims process with your insurance company.
To get started, take your vehicle to a trusted body shop or auto repair service for a written estimate. Keep photos, the estimate, and your Insurance Card handy to speed up policy service and claims.
For a comprehensive understanding, check out the Hail Damage Car Quick Guide 2025.
Just like the size of hail, the severity of hail damage to your car can vary. A few small dents may not justify filing a claim, but if your hood or roof looks like an orange peel after a storm, it may be worth contacting your auto insurance company.
The cost of repair depends on the extent of the damage and your policy’s deductible. Minor dents might be inexpensive to fix, while severe damage could lead to thousands in repair bills.
Understanding your deductible helps you decide whether to file a claim or pay out of pocket.
Once you’ve chosen a trusted body shop, ask for a repair estimate. The overall cost will depend on the extent of the hail damage and the type of repair needed. For instance, paintless dent repair is usually less expensive than filling dents and repainting panels, which can significantly increase the cost of your claim.
The amount you pay will also depend on your deductible. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and repairs are estimated at $1,500, you may consider paying out of pocket instead of filing a claim. If the cost of repair is lower than your deductible, your insurance will not cover the damage.
Not sure which option makes the most sense? Our team can help you compare your choices before filing a claim with your auto insurance provider.
Washing off dirt and dust ensures the estimator can clearly see every dent caused by hail. Keep in mind that during the inspection, the estimator only documents hail-related damage. Any unrelated issues (called pre-loss damage) will not be covered by your auto insurance policy.
Once the evaluation is complete, the estimator will help schedule your repair appointment. Availability may depend on how many vehicles were affected in your area, so wait times often stretch into several weeks during peak hail season.
1–3 days for repairs such as small dents or paintless dent removal.
2–3 weeks for extensive body work, part replacement, or repainting.
Always keep a copy of your evaluation report and confirm the repair timeline with your local body shop. This will help set realistic expectations and keep your hail damage claim process running smoothly.
After a hailstorm, you may be left wondering: Should I repair my car’s hail damage or leave it as is? Even with an insurance estimate and confirmation of coverage, some drivers consider skipping repairs and keeping the claim check, or using a cheaper option like a friend who does bodywork on the side. While that may seem appealing, here are a few important factors to consider:
If you are still making payments on your vehicle, the lienholder is usually listed on your insurance policy and the claim check. This ensures the money goes toward repairs since the lender has a financial interest in the vehicle.
Even if your car is paid off, hail damage can lower its resale value. Leaving dents unrepaired may mean you won’t get the price you expect when selling or trading in your vehicle.
Many insurance companies will not offer comprehensive or collision coverage on vehicles with existing damage. Failing to repair hail dents could prevent you from maintaining full coverage. In addition, if you file future claims, insurers can identify old damage and may reduce payouts or penalize you for not completing proper repairs.
In short, while skipping repairs might feel like a money-saving option, it often leads to long-term drawbacks with resale value, coverage, and financing. Always review your auto insurance policy and discuss with your insurance agent before deciding.
Being prepared during a hailstorm is crucial for keeping you, your family, and your vehicle safe. If hail is common where you live, it helps to understand the weather patterns that cause it. Hail typically forms during strong thunderstorms when powerful updrafts meet low freezing levels. If conditions look stormy, monitor local weather reports closely.
From a financial standpoint, carrying an auto insurance policy with comprehensive coverage is the best way to protect yourself against costly repairs. Without it, the cost of repairing hail damage will likely come out of pocket.
Combining smart preparation with the right vehicle insurance coverage will help keep both your car and your finances protected during hail season.
Yes. Hail damage is covered if you carry comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. Liability-only policies do not pay for hail repair costs. Source: Statefarm
Yes. You are responsible for paying your deductible before your insurance company covers the rest of the repair costs. For example, if repairs cost $2,500 and your deductible is $1,000, you pay $1,000 and insurance covers $1,500.
Hail claims typically do not raise your rates directly since they are considered no-fault weather events. However, if hailstorms are frequent in your area, overall rates for all drivers in that region may increase.
Not repairing your vehicle could lower its resale value and may prevent you from keeping full coverage in the future. If you still owe on your car, lienholders will also require repairs to protect their financial interest.
Minor hail damage can often be repaired in 1–3 days using paintless dent repair. Severe damage that requires repainting or replacing panels may take 2–3 weeks, depending on the body shop’s schedule.
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Last Updated on by Brian Muse
