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Will car insurance cover hail damage? Yes, assuming you have a certain type of coverage.
Whether your car was recently damaged by hail or you’re just thinking ahead, here’s what you need to know about what car insurance covers when it comes to hail.
Key Points
• Hail damage can cause significant harm, including dents and cracked windshields.
• Comprehensive coverage is necessary for hail damage to be covered by car insurance.
• Photos and videos of the damage are crucial for a successful claim.
• An insurance adjuster will inspect the car and estimate repair costs.
• If repair costs exceed the car’s value, the vehicle may be declared totaled.
Understanding Hail Damage and Your Auto Policy
Does car insurance cover hail damage? As we mentioned, it does. But the type of car insurance you have is important here. Liability and collision alone won’t cover you in this situation; you need comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage covers any damage done to a vehicle that is not the result of a collision. It typically covers things like:
• Animal collisions, such as hitting a deer
• Falling objects, such as rocks or tree limbs
• Fire
• Natural disasters, such as lightning, floods, hurricanes, and hail
• Theft
• Vandalism
What Is Hail Damage and How Does It Affect Your Vehicle?
Falling hail can leave golf ball-sized dents on your vehicle and can also easily crack your windshield. Depending on the severity of the storm and how exposed your vehicle was, falling hail can easily total a car. If that happens, your insurance company may decide to simply pay you for your car’s value rather than foot the bill for body repairs.
What Type of Car Insurance Covers Hail Damage?
As we discussed, comprehensive car insurance covers hail damage. It’s optional coverage, but purchasing it covers your vehicle from a variety of other events, including vandalism and natural disasters.
Exclusions and Limitations Regarding Hail Damage
Understanding whether insurance covers hail damage on a car often comes down to the fine print. No two insurance companies are exactly alike, so don’t assume you’re automatically covered for hail damage if you have comprehensive coverage.
Some insurance companies, for instance, have unusual exclusions for hail damage, so it’s a good idea to review your policy and note any exclusions. One example is “cosmetic only” language, which means hail damage may not be covered if your car functions normally otherwise.
If you have questions about your policy, call your insurance agent.
Recommended: Auto Insurance Resources: A Comprehensive Guide to Car Insurance
Filing a Hail Damage Claim
If a hail storm has left your car with dents and dings — and you have comprehensive coverage — you may decide to file a claim with your insurance company. Let’s take a look at the steps to follow.
Step-by-Step Process for Filing Your Claim
1. Document the damage. Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to be outside, your first order of business is to take extensive pictures and videos of the damage. Be as thorough as possible, and take both close-up and far away shots.
2. Contact your insurer. Next, get in touch with your insurance company, whether by logging into your auto insurance online portal, going through your carrier’s mobile app, or calling your insurer directly. Notify them of the type of damage your car has incurred and when and where it happened.
3. Submit the documentation. Upload the pictures and videos you took of the damage.
4. Await evaluation. An insurance adjuster will likely inspect your car and come up with an estimate for the repairs. Your insurance company will determine the payout based on that evaluation, which you can negotiate if necessary.
5. Receive payment and start the repairs. Once your claim is approved, you’ll receive a payment from your insurer. You’re free to take your car to a body shop of your choice to have the repairs done. Be sure to keep a record of the work for your files.
What Documentation Is Needed for a Successful Claim?
As we discussed, photos and videos are going to be your main source of documentation. So as we discussed, take a lot of pictures and videos from a variety of angles. If it’s safe to do so, try to take photos before the hail has melted.
Take note of the time and date your car received hail damage so your adjustor can confirm with local weather reports that hail was indeed spotted in your area. You may even want to take screen shots of any weather reports you find just in case.
Tips for Maximizing Your Claim Payout
To maximize your claim payout, try to take pictures of the hail damage while there is still hail on the ground. If you can, link to any weather reports, too. They’ll help verify the cause of your claim.
Repairing Hail Damage: What to Expect
Here’s what you can expect in the event your car is damaged by hail and your claim is approved.
Common Repair Methods
Repair shops have a variety of techniques to fix small dents from hail. One method they use is a heat gun, which involves heating up the area with the dent and then quickly applying dry ice. The rapid heating and cooling of the surface area will often cause the metal to pop back into its original position before the dent.
Another common method repair shops use is to simply apply a suction cup to each dent and gently pull upwards. However, because this method involves dealing with each dent individually, the process can take longer and increase the final bill.
What Happens If Hail Damage Totals Your Car?
Is hail covered by car insurance? Yes, provided the cost of repair doesn’t exceed your car’s worth. If hail damage totals your car, your insurance carrier may opt to pay you for your car’s worth minus your deductible.
For example, if your car is worth $5,000 and you have a $500 deductible, and the repair cost is estimated at $7,000, then your carrier will instead opt to pay you $4,500 instead.
Recommended: How to Switch Car Insurance
The Takeaway
Will car insurance cover hail damage? Yes, but you need comprehensive coverage. Just keep in mind that what each company covers in the event of hail damage may be different, so read your policy’s fine print. If it has unusual exclusions, it may be time to switch providers.
When you’re ready to shop for auto insurance, SoFi can help. Our online auto insurance comparison tool lets you see quotes from a network of top insurance providers within minutes, saving you time and hassle.
FAQ
Do I need comprehensive coverage for hail damage to be covered?
Yes, you need comprehensive coverage for hail damage to be covered. Simply having liability or collision is not enough.
Will filing a hail damage claim make my insurance rates go up?
Filing a hail damage claim may make your insurance rates go up, but it depends on your carrier and filing history. Typically, at-fault claims cause rates to go up more so than an event outside of your control.
If you feel the rise in your premium is too high, you may want to consider switching carriers. Switching car insurance providers isn’t difficult. The important thing is to compare prices and choose the provider that has all of the coverage options you need.
What if the cost to repair the hail damage is more than my car is worth?
If the cost to repair the hail damage is more than your car is worth, your insurance carrier will likely consider your car totaled and pay you for your car’s worth minus your deductible.
Do I have to pay a deductible for a hail damage claim?
Yes, you have to pay a deductible for a hail damage claim. If you don’t know what your deductible is, call your insurance company or check your policy.
Can I choose my own repair shop for hail damage?
Yes, you should be able to choose your own repair shop after your claim has been approved. However, your provider may have some recommendations, which may save you time and money.
Photo credit: iStock/Willowpix
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