Is hail damage covered by car insurance?

Hailstones of golf ball and grapefruit sizes are causing damage in Texas and Kansas-Missouri regions, respectively.

In 2023, the number of hail events in the U.S. increased to 6,962 from 4,436 in 2022, according to the NOAA. Over the past 20 years, hail damage has averaged between $8 billion and $14 billion annually.

Hailstorms pose the greatest risk to states in the Great Plains and Rockies, and if your car has been damaged, you may be considering filing a claim with your insurance policy. However, it's important to understand what is covered and whether it's worth it, including whether hair damage is included.

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Where does hail cause the most damage?

The nickname "Hail Alley" is given to the region in North America where hail events are most common, as stated by the NOAA. This area is where Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming meet.

The increase in development in the Great Plains and High Plains has led to more homes and cars being vulnerable to hail damage, as predicted in a 2022 report by Yale Climate Connections. Additionally, the report forecasts that hailstones will become increasingly destructive in Hail Alley.

What kind of damage does hail cause to your car?

The extent of harm inflicted by a hailstone is highly dependent on its size. A hailstone smaller than an inch can still travel at 25 mph, as per the NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory, causing damage to paint, windows, roofs, and hoods.

Earthward-hurling hailstones with diameters exceeding 2 inches can reach speeds of up to 70 mph, causing windshields to shatter, side mirrors to break, and exteriors to puncture.

Does my car insurance cover hail damage?

If you have a full coverage car insurance policy, it should cover hail damage. This type of plan includes both collision and comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage from non-collision events, including hail and other severe weather, as well as theft and animal encounters. However, if you only have liability insurance (sometimes called minimum coverage car insurance), it will not cover hail damage.

How to file a claim for hail damage

Assess and document the damage to your vehicle after the storm has passed. If possible, take photos and videos of your vehicle.

State Farm policyholders can easily upload images and documents, check claim status, and communicate with an agent through the company's website or mobile app. State Farm consistently ranks at the top among large auto insurers in J.D. Power's U.S. Insurance Shopping Study and receives high scores for claim settlement satisfaction.

Will I need to pay a deductible for hail damage?

The policyholder is responsible for paying the deductible before the insurance company will cover any damages caused by hail damage.

If your window or windshield has been damaged, you may be able to file a claim without a deductible if it can be repaired and not replaced.

In some states, Progressive provides a no-deductible option for glass-only replacement claims, but the crack must be less than six inches long and the glass can only be repaired, not replaced.

Geico provides deductible-free glass repairs for chips or cracks less than a dollar bill. Additionally, it offers various discounts on top of its affordable rates, such as for safe driving, having multiple policies, and being a government employee or military member.

Is it worth filing a claim for hail damage?

Unlike health insurance, auto insurance deductibles are not accumulative for the year; each claim must meet the threshold on its own. Therefore, it is advisable not to file claims for damages less than or equal to your deductible, as there will be no payout. Even a small amount over the threshold may not be worth the effort.

The average auto insurance deductible, according to Kelley Blue Book, is $500, but it can reach up to $1,500. If the cost of repairing hail-induced dents and scratches is only $200, it may be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket.

It is better to file a claim for more extensive damage, such as chipped paint and exposed metal, to prevent rust. Quickly repairing damage to your windshield or windows can prevent cracks from spreading.

Should I wait until hail season is over to file a claim?

Between March and October, hailstorms are most common, with the highest number occurring between May and September, according to NOAA. If you have minor damage from a storm in April, you might be tempted to wait until Mother Nature is done throwing tennis balls at your car for the year.

Combining losses from two separate storms on a single insurance claim is considered fraudulent.

If your vehicle has dents and cracks, it could be considered beyond repair and a lost cause. Additionally, if you're rear-ended at a red light and your car is totaled, your insurer may deduct pre-existing hail damage from the value of your car when determining your payout.

Will a hail damage claim raise my insurance rates?

While one claim for hail damage may not increase your rates, any claims you file will be recorded on your C.L.U.E. report for seven years.

Residents in your area may experience an increase in insurance rates due to the growing frequency of hail damage.

How to protect your car from hail

To safeguard your car from hail damage, minimize its exposure to the elements, especially if you reside in Hail Alley. Be prepared by anticipating hailstorms and following the advice of Kelley Blue Book.

• Ensure that your garage has enough space for all your vehicles. If you don't have a garage, consider a covered public garage. Arrive early to secure a spot.

• If you don't have a garage, a carport can offer some protection from hail, although it won't be as effective as a garage.

• Inflatable car covers, hail blankets, and mobile car tents are available at automotive stores for parking outside. If necessary, moving blankets or anything that can absorb impact can be used as a substitute.

Bottom line

To ensure prompt and comprehensive coverage for your car after a hail storm, filing a claim promptly may be necessary, even though a deductible will likely apply.

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