The short answer
Yes, if you carry comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive pays for damage to your car that isn't from a collision, including hail, falling objects, fire, flooding, theft and vandalism. You pay your deductible, and the policy pays the rest of the covered repair, up to your car's value.
If you carry only liability coverage, hail damage to your car generally isn't covered.
What hail can damage
- Dents on the roof, hood and trunk
- Cracked or broken windshields, windows and sunroofs
- Broken mirrors and lights
- Chipped paint that can lead to rust
What to do after a hailstorm
- Check for broken glass first. Cover openings to keep rain out.
- Take clear photos of the damage from several angles, ideally in good light.
- Note the date and time of the storm.
- Contact your insurer or start a claim through their app or website.
- Get a repair estimate, and keep receipts for any temporary fixes.
How hail repairs work
Many hail dents can be fixed with paintless dent repair, where a technician pushes dents out from behind the panel. It's often faster and less costly than replacing panels. Severe damage may need body work, new panels or new glass.
After a big storm, repair shops can get busy and some out-of-town repairers may show up. Check reviews and get a written estimate before you sign anything.
When a car may be totaled
If repair costs come close to your car's value, the insurer may declare it a total loss and pay you its actual cash value, minus your deductible. This is more common with older cars. If you still owe on a car loan, gap coverage, if you have it, may help cover the difference between the payout and your loan balance.
Will a hail claim raise my rate?
It can. Hail is a weather event and isn't your fault, so many carriers treat it differently from an at-fault accident. Still, your claim history and local weather risk can affect what you pay. Rules vary by carrier and state.
Check your coverage before storm season
If you live where hail is common, review your comprehensive deductible before spring. A lower deductible means a higher premium but less out of pocket after a storm. CapCenter's in-house insurance agency can compare quotes from multiple carriers and help you weigh the trade-off.