Will my insurance go up if I file for hail damage?


Editorial team Published on

Filing a hail damage claim can cause your insurance rates to go up, but it depends on whether the claim is for your car or your home.

Auto Insurance and Hail

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Hail damage is handled by your car's Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage.
  • Not at Fault: Because hail is an act of nature, insurers generally do not add a direct penalty or surcharge for a single weather claim.
  • Regional Rate Hikes: According to discussions on Facebook, users agree that your rates can still rise if a major storm causes widespread damage in your zip code, forcing the company to raise base rates for everyone in the area.
  • Claim Frequency: Filing multiple weather or glass claims in a short period can mark you as high risk and increase your prices later.

Homeowners Insurance and Hail

  • Direct Increases: Home insurance is much more sensitive to weather claims. Most users on Reddit and various industry studies show that filing a roof or siding claim for hail often leads to a direct premium increase at your next renewal.
  • Cosmetic Exclusions: Many insurers in hail-prone areas now add cosmetic damage exclusions, meaning they will only pay if the function of the roof is compromised.

When to File a Claim

  • Compare Costs: Do not file a claim if the repair cost is close to or lower than your deductible.
  • Get Estimates First: It is smart to get a local repair estimate before calling your insurance company so you know if paying out of pocket is cheaper than a potential rate change.