Does insurance cover hail damage to cars?

Severe weather can strike without warning, and when hail or storms hit, your car can take the brunt of Mother Nature’s power. If you’re wondering what to do next, American Family Insurance is here to help clear up the confusion and show you how your insurance can work to protect you from storm-related damage. 

Are you covered for hail and storm damage? 

Here’s the good news: if your auto policy includes comprehensive coverage, you’re likely covered for the cost of repairing hail or storm damage to your car — less the amount of your deductible. Comprehensive coverage can even help if your car is declared a total loss due to a severe weather event. 

Comprehensive coverage is optional in most states, so it’s important to check your policy or connect with your American Family agent to confirm you have this protection. If you don’t, you’ll likely be responsible for repair costs out of pocket.  

What does comprehensive coverage include?

Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your car from a wide range of non-collision losses that aren’t covered in a standard auto policy, including things such as: 

• Hail and natural disasters
• Theft
• Collisions with birds or animals
• Vandalism
• Fires or explosions
• Certain falling objects, like tree branches
• Floods

Additional coverages to consider 

Loan or lease gap assistance: If you’re still paying off your car, this coverage could help pay the difference between what you owe and your car’s actual cash value if it’s declared a total loss after a major hailstorm. Many financing agreements require it to help reconcile costs in the event of a covered total loss. 

Rental car reimbursement: Whether your car suffered minor dings or major dents from hail, rental car reimbursement can come to the rescue after a storm. If your car is in the shop for repairs, this coverage can help with rental car costs, rideshare services, taxis, or public transportation so you can keep your life moving. 

What to do if your car gets hail or storm damage

After a hailstorm or severe weather event, it’s important to act quickly and safely:  

• Prioritize safety. Watch out for down power lines or other hazards before approaching your vehicle.
• Assess the damage. Walk around your car and look for dents, cracks, or shattered windows. Sometimes, hairline cracks can be hard to see, so look carefully at your windshield. Take photos of all damage. 
• File a claim. If your vehicle is damaged, get in touch with us to quickly begin the claims process and get back on the road. With American Family, you can submit a claim anywhere, any time and track its status through My Account or the MyAmFam app. You can also text STORM to 26326, call 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326), or contact your agent directly. Be ready with the date and time of the event, a brief description, and your photos.  

What happens after you file a claim

Once your claim is filed, a claims representative will connect with you to explain what’s covered and outline next steps. If your car isn’t drivable and your coverage applies, you could get a tow to the nearest repair shop. If you have rental reimbursement coverage, it may help pay for transportation while your car is being repaired.  

With American Family, you can choose a Dreams Restored repair shop, and the bill will be sent directly to us. If you prefer another shop, we’ll work with them to coordinate repairs and payments. You’ll be notified if you need to pay a deductible. 

How much does it cost to repair hail damage?

Hail damage repair costs scale quickly based on the severity and location of the dents, as well as the type, age, and paint characteristics of your vehicle.  

You’re responsible for your comprehensive coverage deductible, and your insurance should help cover the rest. Contact your agent to learn more about hail coverage and how deductibles are handled. 

Can you claim hail damage more than once?

Car insurance claims for hail damage are handled on a policy, state, and case basis. Your agent can help with questions specific to your situation and will work with the claims team for additional assistance. 

Can you insure a car with existing hail damage?

Insurance companies may not offer comprehensive coverage for a car with unrepaired hail damage because it’s difficult to distinguish new damage from old. Repairing your car quickly helps ensure your continued coverage. 

How to protect your car from hail damage

Prevention is all about protection. Here are some tips to help you get ahead of the hail and keep your car safe: 

• Download a weather app. User-friendly apps like AccuWeather (Opens in a new tab), The Weather Channel (Opens in a new tab), or  Weather Underground (Opens in a new tab) provide real-time radar and alerts to help you stay ahead of storms. 
• Have a plan. When you know severe weather is on the horizon, move your car to a garage or covered area.  
• Review your coverage. It’s always best to be prepared. Check your policy and consider adding comprehensive, lease or loan gap and rental reimbursement coverages. 

Still have questions?

If you want additional coverage information or assistance updating your policy, reach out to your American Family Insurance agent. They’ll be happy to help ensure you have the protection you need and the peace of mind that comes with it. 

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.

Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 28% on both policies together (as of June 2025). Discounts include Multiproduct, Auto Pay, Paperless, and DriveMyWay. Products, pricing, and availability vary based on the way you purchase insurance and by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.