Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage to a Car

Written by licensed insurance agent Alex Huber

Yes, car insurance usually covers hail damage to your car if you have comprehensive coverage. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car from events other than a crash, including hail, windstorm, flood, fire, theft, and contact with an animal. Liability insurance does not pay for damage to your own car. Collision coverage usually does not apply to hail because hail is not a crash loss. 

That direct answer helps most drivers right away. If you only carry state minimum liability insurance, hail damage repairs will usually come out of your own pocket. If you carry comprehensive coverage, your insurer may pay for covered hail damage after you meet your deductible. Progressive gives the same basic explanation and notes that drivers with hail damage generally need comprehensive coverage, and claims are typically subject to the comprehensive deductible. 

Hail claims can be costly. CCC data reported in 2024 showed that hail claims were, on average, 21.7 percent more costly to repair than the average comprehensive claim, and hail related auto claims rose to 11.8 percent of all comprehensive claims in the prior year. That helps explain why many drivers ask whether filing a claim is worth it. 

The weather risk is also real across large parts of the country. NOAA says the United States had 27 weather and climate disasters costing at least $1 billion in 2024, including 17 severe storm events, and NOAA Climate.gov noted that 11 of those 2024 events were severe weather and hail disasters affecting many states.

So the short version is this: hail damage is usually covered only by comprehensive coverage, not liability, and your deductible decides whether the claim makes financial sense. State rules, policy terms, insurer practices, and repair costs can all differ, so it is smart to check your declarations page and speak with a licensed insurance professional before filing.

What kind of car insurance covers hail damage?

Comprehensive coverage is the main coverage that applies to hail damage.

NAIC explains that comprehensive coverage reimburses you for damage to your car that is not caused by a collision. Their examples include hail, windstorm, flood, fire, theft, and vandalism. The same source says collision coverage pays for damage caused by a crash with another car, an object, a pothole, or an overturn. 

Here is the simple breakdown:

Coverage typeDoes it usually cover hail damage?What it usually pays for
LiabilityNoDamage you cause to other people or their property
CollisionNo, in most casesDamage from a crash with a car or object
ComprehensiveYes, in many casesHail, wind, theft, falling objects, fire, flood, vandalism
Glass coverage, if offeredSometimesWindshield or glass damage, based on policy terms and state rules

The Insurance Information Institute also explains that physical damage coverage for your own car usually comes from collision and comprehensive, while liability coverage protects against damage you cause to others. 

If you want a broader look at how these coverages differ, see what are the different types of car insurance and does car insurance cover lightning strikes.

What damage can hail cause to a car?

Hail damage can range from light cosmetic damage to major repair bills. The size of the hail, the wind speed, your vehicle type, and where the car was parked all matter.

Common hail related damage includes:

  1. Dents on the hood, roof, trunk, and doors
  2. Cracked or chipped windshield glass
  3. Broken side or rear windows
  4. Damaged mirrors and trim
  5. Paint damage or chipped finish
  6. Damage to sensors, cameras, lights, or sunroof components on newer vehicles

Modern vehicles can cost more to repair after a hailstorm because cameras, driver assistance sensors, and specialty glass may need calibration or replacement. CCC reported that total repair costs continued to rise in 2024, with labor rates up 4.7 percent and total repair costs up 3.7 percent. 

A simple real life example helps. A sedan parked outside during a spring storm may end up with fifty or more small roof and hood dents, a cracked windshield, and damage around the roof mounted antenna or camera area. The car may still run fine, but the repair estimate can still reach thousands of dollars.

Does liability insurance cover hail damage?

No, liability insurance usually does not cover hail damage to your own car.

NAIC says liability coverage pays for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. It is different from comprehensive coverage, which pays for non collision damage to your own vehicle in covered events such as hail. 

This matters for drivers who carry only minimum required coverage. Most states require liability insurance, but states generally do not require comprehensive coverage. That means many drivers are protected only if they damage someone else’s car, not if a storm damages their own car.

For first time buyers, low income drivers, and owners of older cars, this is one of the most common coverage gaps.

Does full coverage include hail damage?

Usually yes, but only because many people use the term full coverage to mean a policy that includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

The key part for hail damage is still comprehensive coverage. “Full coverage” is not a standard legal term with one fixed meaning in every policy. A driver may say they have full coverage, but the only reliable answer is on the declarations page.

You should check:

  1. Whether comprehensive is listed
  2. The comprehensive deductible amount
  3. Any glass specific coverage or endorsements
  4. Whether your lender requires physical damage coverage
  5. Whether your insurer has special claim rules for severe storm events

Drivers with financed or leased cars are more likely to carry comprehensive and collision because lenders often require those coverages. NAIC says lenders may require collision and comprehensive on financed or leased vehicles, even though states usually do not. 

This related guide may help if your car is financed: do I need full coverage insurance to finance a car.

How does the deductible work for hail damage?

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance starts paying on a covered claim. Progressive says comprehensive claims for hail damage are generally subject to the comprehensive deductible. NAIC also notes that physical damage coverage often includes deductibles. 

Here is a simple example:

Estimated repair costComprehensive deductibleLikely insurer payment
$700$500About $200
$1,800$500About $1,300
$1,800$1,000About $800
$4,500$500About $4,000

These are simplified examples. Actual payment depends on policy terms, covered damage, and the final repair estimate.

A claim often makes more sense when the repair bill is well above your deductible. If the hail damage is limited to a few small dents and the estimate is close to your deductible, you may choose to pay out of pocket instead.

When is filing a hail damage claim worth it?

Filing a claim can make sense when:

  1. The repair bill is far above your deductible
  2. Glass is broken and the car is no longer secure
  3. The roof, hood, trunk, and side panels all have widespread damage
  4. Sensors, cameras, or sunroof parts are damaged
  5. The damage lowers the value of a newer car by a meaningful amount

Paying out of pocket may make more sense when:

  1. The damage is light and mostly cosmetic
  2. The estimate is only slightly above your deductible
  3. Your car is older and you do not plan to repair minor dents
  4. You want to avoid filing a small claim on your record

There is no universal rule on rate changes after a claim. Insurers use many factors, and state rules vary. A licensed insurer can explain how your claim would be handled, but they may not promise the future premium result. That is one reason it helps to compare the estimate, deductible, and your long term plans for the vehicle before you file.

What should you do right after hail damages your car?

The hours after the storm matter. Good records can help your claim move faster.

Take these steps:

  1. Check that you and your passengers are safe
  2. Move the car to a covered area if possible
  3. Take clear photos of the dents, broken glass, and the full vehicle
  4. Photograph the storm damage from multiple angles
  5. Note the date, time, and location of the storm
  6. Contact your insurer before repairing major damage
  7. Get a repair estimate from a trusted body shop
  8. Ask whether the insurer wants an inspection before repairs start

Progressive says photos and video can help support a hail damage claim. 

If the windshield or side glass is broken, cover the opening if you can do so safely. Water entering the cabin after the storm can create extra damage and more claim questions later.

Will insurance cover windshield damage from hail?

Often yes, if your policy includes comprehensive coverage, because hail is a non collision event. Whether the insurer pays for repair or full replacement depends on the type of glass damage, policy terms, and state specific rules.

Some states have separate windshield rules, and some insurers offer glass endorsements with different deductibles or no deductible glass claims. The exact result can differ by state and company. That is why drivers should not assume every windshield claim works the same way nationwide.

Can hail damage a car?

Yes, hail damage can sometimes total a car.

A car may be declared a total loss when the estimated repair cost, plus related claim factors, approaches or exceeds the vehicle’s actual cash value under the insurer’s rules and state requirements. This can happen even if the car still drives. Large hail can damage body panels, roof structures, glass, trim, paint, and advanced technology parts all at once.

This is more common with:

  1. Older vehicles with lower market value
  2. Cars with widespread denting across many panels
  3. Vehicles with damaged windshields, roof glass, cameras, or sensors
  4. Luxury vehicles with high repair costs

Some hail totaled cars later appear with salvage or rebuilt titles, depending on state law and insurer handling. Laws vary by state, so title branding and total loss rules can differ.

Why are hail claims getting more attention in the United States?

Storm losses have stayed high, and repair costs are not static.

NOAA’s disaster data shows how often severe storms now create major losses across the country. NOAA Climate.gov reported that 2024 included 11 severe weather and hail events among the year’s billion dollar disasters. 

Repair costs also keep climbing. CCC reported that hail claims cost more than the average comprehensive claim, while labor rates and total repair costs also increased in 2024. 

For drivers, that means two practical points:

  1. Comprehensive coverage can matter more than people think in hail prone states
  2. Deductible choice matters because even modest hail claims can create meaningful out of pocket costs

Who should think carefully about carrying comprehensive coverage for hail?

Comprehensive coverage is optional in most states, but it can be worth a close look for drivers who face more storm exposure or have more to lose.

Drivers who may want to review this coverage include:

  1. People who park outside most of the time
  2. Drivers in hail prone states such as Texas, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and nearby areas
  3. Owners of newer cars with higher repair costs
  4. Drivers with financed or leased vehicles
  5. People who cannot easily absorb a sudden repair bill

A driver with a ten year old car worth a modest amount may make a different choice from a driver with a three year old SUV parked outside every night. Coverage should fit the value of the car and the financial risk you can handle.

Can you prevent hail damage from happening?

You cannot stop a hailstorm, but you can lower the risk.

Try these steps when hail is in the forecast:

  1. Park in a garage or covered structure
  2. Use covered public parking if a storm is expected
  3. Watch local weather alerts
  4. Avoid driving during active severe storm warnings when possible
  5. Keep your insurer’s claim contact details handy

These steps will not remove the risk, but they can lower the chance of a large repair bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does car insurance cover hail damage if I only have liability?

No. Liability insurance usually does not pay for hail damage to your own car. Comprehensive coverage is the coverage that usually applies to hail losses. 

Is hail damage covered by comprehensive or collision?

Hail damage is usually covered by comprehensive coverage, not collision. NAIC says comprehensive covers losses such as hail and windstorm, while collision covers crash damage. 

Will my insurance rate go up if I file a hail claim?

It can depend on your insurer, your state, your claim history, and company rating rules. There is no single nationwide answer, so ask your insurer how the claim will be categorized before you file.

Is a cracked windshield from hail covered?

Often yes, if you have comprehensive coverage. Payment details can differ based on your policy, deductible, insurer, and state rules.

Can hail damage be repaired without replacing body panels?

Sometimes yes. Light to moderate dents may be repaired with paintless dent repair when the paint is not broken and the panel damage is suitable for that method. The repair shop and insurer can assess that during the estimate process.

Should I file a claim for small hail dents?

Maybe not. If the repair cost is at or near your deductible, paying out of pocket may make more sense than filing a small claim.

Final thoughts

Hail damage to a car is usually covered only if you carry comprehensive coverage. Liability insurance generally will not help, and collision coverage usually is not the right fit for this kind of loss. Your deductible, the extent of the damage, your car’s value, and your insurer’s claim process all shape whether filing a claim is the right move. Since policy terms and state rules can differ, review your declarations page and check with a licensed insurance professional before making a final decision. If you are comparing coverage and want a clearer view of what your policy does and does not pay for, AtozInsuranceusa can help you review your options with a trust focused approach.

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