Does insurance cover hail damage to cars?

Severe weather can damage your car, and when hail strikes, you may wonder what to do next.

We’re here to help clear up the confusion and show you how your insurance can help protect you.

Which coverages help protect your car from hail damage?

American Family Insurance makes getting coverage for hail damage easy, to give you peace of mind. And you’ll get the focused protection you need to get on the road to recovery quickly.

Like car accidents, hail damage can vary from one car to the next. That’s why we have multiple recommendations to best protect you from costly out-of-pocket hail damage repairs.

Comprehensive coverage

Is hail damage covered in a standard car insurance policy? Not usually. So, what can you do if you need coverage that protects your car from hailstorms?

Comprehensive coverage helps protect you from damages caused by falling objects, like tree branches and — you guessed it — hail. Even if a hailstorm totals your car, this coverage pays for the damage.

It also protects your car in ways that a standard auto policy doesn’t, including:

• Theft
• Collisions with birds or animals
• Vandalism
• Fires or explosions
• Hail or natural disasters
• Certain falling objects
• Floods

Gap/lease and loan coverage

You may already have this important coverage on your car, especially if you still owe money on it. Many financing agreements require gap insurance to help reconcile costs for a covered total loss.

Here’s how it works: If your car gets declared a total loss, your insurance company pays its actual cash value. But some payment plans don’t pay off the car as quickly as it depreciates. That can result in you owing more on your car than it’s worth. Gap/lease and loan coverage can help pay for that difference after a major hailstorm.

Rental car reimbursement

Whether your car has small dings or dents from hail, rental car reimbursement can help after a storm. It helps cover the cost of car renting after a covered loss, while your car is in the shop.

And if it’s been totaled, it gives you time to shop around and keep your life on track between vehicles. It can also help cover other transportation-related expenses, including:

• Rideshare services
• Taxis
• City busses
• Light rail
• Commuter trains

What happens if your car gets hail damage?

Make safety your top priority if your vehicle is damaged. Here are a few steps to take to evaluate the extent of damage done to your car and how to resolve it:

Assess the damage. Hairline cracks may appear in the windows, but they can be hard to see. Assess them carefully as they may shatter while driving.

Make a determination. If damages to your car are too severe to drive, contact your insurance agent and have it towed to a qualified repair shop. If it’s drivable, proceed carefully after talking to your agent about the next steps.

File a claim. By filing your claim quickly, you’ll minimize the downtime between getting your car to the shop and getting it back.

Steps to claiming insurance and filing a claim for hail damage on cars

After a hailstorm, the first thing you’ll need to do is contact your insurance agency. With American Family Insurance, filing a claim is easy.

One of the best ways to report a claim is to log into My Account or use the MyAmFam app. By starting your claim with one of these options, you’ll also experience additional benefits, including:

• Filing anywhere, any time
• Tracking the status of your claim
• Easily communicating with your claims representative by email or phone

You can call us at 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326) to talk to a claims representative. You can also contact your American Family Insurance agent.

How much does it cost to repair hail damage to a car?

The cost to repair hail damage to a car can vary widely. Repair shops typically assess the damage based on the number and size of dents, as well as the location of the damage. Additional factors, such as your geographic area and the repair method used, may also influence the price. For an accurate estimate, it’s best to consult a local repair professional.

Do I have to pay a deductible for hail damage to my car?

Yes. When you take your car to the shop, you’ll need to pay your comprehensive coverage deductible. Your insurance will cover the rest of the cost. Contact your agent to learn about hail coverage and how your insurance group handles deductibles.

Can I claim hail damage on my car twice?

If you own your car, you may decide not to get it repaired after a hailstorm. However, you should know that if you get hail damage again and want to repair it, your insurance may deny your claim.

Can you insure a car with hail damage?

When hail pummels your car, these dents can cause extensive aesthetic damage. If you don't get your car repaired, its resale value can decline, and you may not be able to get full coverage. Insurance companies might not cover your car since it’s tough to tell old damage from new damage. To keep benefiting from your insurance policy, repair damages quickly.

How to save your car from hail damage

Protection is all about prevention. Safely get your car out of harm’s way before the weather turns, when possible. Here are some suggestions to help you get ahead of the hail to keep your car as safe as possible:

Download a weather app. Easy-to-use apps that pull from different weather sources are important for accurate forecasts. They can help let you know when there’ll be strong winds. Consider apps like Dark Sky and Carrot Weather for early warning and real-time radar.

Have a plan. When you know that severe weather is on the horizon, plan for cover before you need it. Find a space to store your car under shelter or in a garage to minimize or avoid damage.

Get hail damage coverage before the storm

If you want to know more about filing a car insurance claim after a storm, ask your American Family Insurance agent. Look into comprehensive, gap/lease and loan and rental car reimbursement coverages. Get ready for storm season and update your car insurance early so you’ll have the right coverage and peace of mind.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.