Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Hail storms can cause major damage to your car, and it can be a daunting prospect to have to repair the damage without help. Fortunately, car insurance policies often cover hail damage, allowing you to make repairs without worrying about the cost. In this article, we’ll explore how car insurance works when it comes to hail damage and what you need to do to get the coverage you need.

What Does Car Insurance Cover?

Most car insurance policies cover a wide range of damages, including hail damage. Comprehensive coverage is typically required for hail damage, as this is the type of coverage that covers damage from events outside of a collision. Comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle due to hail damage, minus any applicable deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money you will need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance policy kicks in and covers the rest.

How Does Hail Damage Insurance Work?

If your car has suffered hail damage, your first step should be to contact your car insurance company and make a claim. When you make a claim, your insurer will send an adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle. The adjuster will create a report detailing the damage and the estimated cost of repairs. If you have comprehensive coverage, the insurer will cover the cost of repairs, minus any applicable deductible. You can then take your car to a repair shop and have the damage repaired.

What if I Don’t Have Comprehensive Coverage?

If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’ll need to pay for the repairs out-of-pocket. This can be a costly endeavor, as hail damage can range from minor dents and dings to serious structural damage. It’s important to note that not all insurance policies offer comprehensive coverage, so if you don’t have it, you won’t be able to make a claim for hail damage.

Can I Add Comprehensive Coverage to My Policy?

In most cases, yes. Most car insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage as an add-on to your existing policy. Adding comprehensive coverage to your policy can be a wise move if you live in an area where hail storms are a common occurrence. Comprehensive coverage can help to protect your car from costly hail damage.

How Much Does Comprehensive Coverage Cost?

The cost of comprehensive coverage varies depending on the insurer and the type of coverage you select. Generally, comprehensive coverage can be had for an additional cost of $50-$100 per year. This is a small investment that can protect your car from costly hail damage.

Do I Need to File a Claim for Every Hail Storm?

No, you don’t need to file a claim for every hail storm. If the damage to your car is minor, it may not be worth filing a claim. However, if the damage is significant, it’s wise to file a claim so that you can be reimbursed for the cost of repairs.

Conclusion

Car insurance can help to protect you from the cost of repairing hail damage to your car. Most car insurance policies offer comprehensive coverage, which can be used to cover the cost of repairs due to hail damage. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you can add it to your policy for an additional cost. It’s important to remember to file a claim for major hail damage, as this can help to ensure that you’re reimbursed for the cost of repairs.