Is a hail damage claim worth it?
Asked by: Darwin Wyman | Last update: November 30, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (50 votes)
Should you file a claim for hail damage?
If you have serious hail damage on ANY car, but especially a new one, it is advisable to file a claim no matter who your insurance carrier is. The worst that can happen is that you won't be renewed when that time comes around, or your rates may take a bump, but that is true of any carrier, not just Geico.
Will my car insurance go up if I claim hail damage?
As a general rule, a claim for hail damage won't raise your insurance rates. That's because insurers see this type of damage as out of your control; there's nothing you could have done to prevent it. However, if you have a lot of claims already on your policy, you may see a rate increase from a comprehensive claim.
Is it worth fixing hail damage on a car?
One of the most costly mistakes people make when dealing with auto hail damage is thinking that the damage is minor and doesn't need to be fixed right away. However, minor cosmetic hail damage devalues their car by thousands of dollars and increases the risk of losing money every time they drive.
How much is the average hail damage claim?
The average insurance payout for hail damage on cars has increased in recent years. In 2020, the average payout was $4,300 and rose to $5,000 in 2021.
What you need to know about hail damage and your insurance.
Do hail claims raise home insurance rates?
The simple answer to that question is, “Yes.” Insurance companies can and often do raise your rates after filing any type of claim, including one for hail and wind damage.
What is a good deductible for hail damage?
Your homeowners policy has a separate deductible for hail claims, which is 1% of your dwelling coverage. Your dwelling coverage limit is $200,000, so your hail deductible is $2,000. That means your homeowners insurer will pay $3,000 of your $5,000 claim in the event of a covered loss.
Do cars get totalled for hail damage?
Can hail damage total your car? Yes. A bad hailstorm can total your car more easily than you'd think. Since hail typically hits an entire vehicle, your whole car is likely to be damaged, and such significant damage can be challenging to repair.
How much value does a car lose with hail damage?
Hail damage can devalue your car by more than 100% of what it would cost a potential buyer to get it repaired.
Do dealerships fix hail damage?
If the hail damaged car was brand new at a dealer's place, most of the time, the dealer would fix the hail damage because it's often worth it. So check the manufacturer's website for the new car price so you know how much it used to be.
How do insurance adjusters determine hail damage?
Once the test square has been created, the adjuster counts the number of hailstrikes within the square. These hailstrikes have to meet the definition of functional damage. The number of hits required to replace that slope of roof will vary. Different insurance companies have different policies.
Why won't my insurance cover hail damage?
If your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, you'll likely have protection for hail damage - minus your deductible. Please note, liability coverage doesn't cover hail damage repair. Therefore, if you have liability only, your insurance company won't pay for hail damage.
How long can you wait to claim hail damage on car?
Hail Claims Are Time Sensitive
Generally, insurers set a window that can range from 30 days to one year to file a claim after a hail event. This period is crucial as waiting too long can result in a denied claim, especially if further damage occurs from the delay.
How do you negotiate a hail damage claim?
- Gather evidence of hail damage.
- Take proactive measures to keep damage from getting worse.
- Be prepared when the claims adjuster assesses your property's damage.
- Refuse to give a recorded statement.
- Anticipate negotiations.
- Seek legal counsel.
Should I call my insurance company after a hail storm?
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the damage promptly. Collect Repair Estimates: Get multiple quotes from licensed contractors. Meet the Adjuster: Schedule an assessment of your property. Finalize the Claim: Review the settlement offer and finalize the claim.
How to get money from hail damage?
Navigating the Hail Storm Insurance Claim Process
Here's a quick guide: Document the Damage: Take clear photos and list all damages. Review Your Insurance Policy: Know what your policy covers and any deductibles. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the damage to start the claim process.
Is hail damage worth claiming?
Hail can damage your home, so it may make sense to file an insurance claim. Take photos of the damage, but don't start repairs yourself. Be sure the contractor you hire is licensed. Your insurance may issue a payout in one of a few ways.
Is minor hail damage worth fixing?
Yes. Although a personal financial decision, unless repairs cost significantly more than the value of the vehicle, fixing hail damage makes sense. Few of the dings and dents should require any paint repairs.
Can hail dents be popped out?
Most bodywork specialists use long-handled, thin metal pushing tools for hail damage repair. Usually sold in kits, these tools are designed to reach inside or under body panels, using carefully applied leverage, gently, gradually and repeatedly pushing on the underside of the dent until it disappears.
How much is my car worth with hail damage?
How much does hail damage devalue a vehicle? If you sell your vehicle with hail damage unresolved, yes, the car is devalued by the dollar amount of damages done to your car. For example, if the vehicle is worth $20,000 and you have $5,000 of unresolved hail damage, your vehicle is worth $15,000.
How does car insurance work with hail damage?
If your car was damaged by hail, you may be wondering if your car insurance will cover it. If you have comprehensive coverage, it may help pay to repair auto body, windshield and interior damage caused by hail. If you only have auto liability coverage, the damage to your car is not covered.
How much does it cost to fix hail damage?
On average, car owners can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000 for hail damage repair. These numbers are a wide spread, and the actual cost will fall somewhere between the two extremes, but a deeper dive into the particular circumstances can better refine these estimates.
Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?
Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.
Is hail damage considered total loss?
A hail damaged car is at risk of being considered totaled.
Does my homeowners insurance cover hail damage?
Homeowners insurance typically helps cover the following types of storm damage: Water and ice damage. Lightning strikes and power surges. Wind, hail damage and fallen trees.