Auto Hail Claims Guide

The Ultimate Auto Hail Claims Guide

Bookmark this page. Below, you will find up-to-date auto hail claims information for all major insurance companies. Use these links and numbers to file your claim directly online or by phone.

Before You Call: Hail Claim Checklist

Prepare this information to ensure a smooth and fast claims process:

  • Policy Information: Have your policy number ready.
  • Event Details: Date, time, and location of the hail storm.
  • Visual Documentation: Clear photos of the damage (hood, roof, and trunk).
  • Vehicle Details: Current mileage and VIN.
  • Repair Choice:
    “I am choosing The Hail Shop USA for my repairs. Please send the estimate and communication to their team.”

Auto Insurance & Hail Claims FAQ

Does auto insurance cover hail damage repairs?

If you have comprehensive coverage, your policy covers the cost to repair dents, cracked windshields, and interior water damage caused by hail. As storm intensity increases in 2026, we recommend verifying your coverage limits annually. If you only carry liability coverage, hail damage is typically not covered.

Do I have to pay a deductible for auto hail damage?

Comprehensive coverage usually requires a deductible. However, if your repair costs exceed your deductible (which is highly likely with hail), check out our Deductible Assistance Program. Note: Some insurers may waive deductibles for glass repair if the glass is fixed rather than replaced.

Will filing a hail damage claim raise my insurance rates or premium?

Generally, no. Since hail is considered an “Act of Nature,” most insurance companies do not raise your individual rates for filing a single comprehensive claim. However, if your specific city or state experiences a high volume of ongoing hail claims, insurance companies may adjust rates for the entire area to reflect that collective risk, meaning premiums can rise for everyone in that group regardless of whether they personally filed a claim.

Can I wait until the end of the season to file one claim for multiple hail storms?

No. Insurance companies view every hailstorm as a separate “occurrence.” Modern adjusters use meteorological software to verify storm dates. If they determine your car was damaged in two different storms, they will require two separate claims and two separate deductibles. Filing promptly ensures your claim is tied to the correct date and protects your right to a full repair.

Can I file a hail damage claim & just keep the money?

Yes & no. If you have a lien on the vehicle, the bank will require the hail damage be repaired and will usually only release funds once the work is done. If you own the vehicle outright, you can keep the check, but be warned: unrepaired hail damage significantly lowers resale value and will be flagged as “pre-existing damage” if you are hit by a future storm.

Auto Hail Damage Claim Process

  1. File Claim. Contact your insurance company to file. You will get a claim number.
  2. Claim Review. The insurer reviews coverage and assesses the loss.
  3. Insurance Adjuster Inspection. An adjuster inspects the vehicle and gives you a report.
  4. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Inspection. We perform a specialized light inspection to catch dents adjusters often miss.
  5. Schedule Repairs. Over 90% of hail damage can be fixed with PDR, which preserves your original factory paint.
  6. In-Shop Repairs. Technicians use specialized tools to massage dents out from the inside panels.
  7. Delivery. After 3 to 5 business days, your vehicle is returned in pre-damaged condition with a written lifetime warranty.

Hail Damage Inspections & Estimates

The National Weather Service reports that severe hail continues to impact areas like Chicago, Springfield, and St. Louis. State Farm paid out over $5.6 billion in hail claims in 2025 alone. A professional PDR estimate takes 30-45 minutes and uses specialized lighting to ensure every “micro-dent” is accounted for.

Insurance Steering Warning

Notice: If you are pressured to use a shop on a “preferred vendor list,” this is called insurance steering. Insurance steering is illegal. You have the legal right to choose your repair shop. Learn more here.

Insurance Totaled My Hail Damaged Vehicle

What happens to the title of a totaled vehicle?

The title will be marked as “salvage,” which will show up on the vehicle’s Carfax. If declared a total loss, the insurer pays the actual cash value minus your deductible. If you decide to keep the vehicle, you must buy it back at its salvage value: Pre-Damaged Value (-) Salvage Value (-) Deductible = Your Cost.