Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

by COUNTRY Financial

Hail damage can ruin your car. If you live in an area prone to severe weather, you know that all too well. 

But does car insurance cover hail damage? It depends on what car insurance coverage you have. 

The short answer: If you carry comprehensive coverage, then yes, you’ll likely be covered. It’s meant for non-collision-related damage.

Does comprehensive coverage cover hail damage?

Comprehensive coverage covers damage from events other than hitting another vehicle or object. This includes damage caused by:

• Hail
• Storms or natural disasters
• Falling objects (e.g., a ladder falling from a truck, a tree limb, etc.)
• Theft
• Vandalism

If you have comprehensive car insurance, you can generally expect that your car’s body, windshield and interior will be protected.

It’s important to note, however, that comprehensive coverage is usually available only as an addition to your basic car insurance. It’s optional and not required by law in most states. If you want it, you’ll have to add it to your car insurance policy.

Does liability coverage cover hail damage?

Most standard car insurance policies include liability coverage, which will not cover hail damage repairs.

Liability coverage is a general term that includes bodily injury liability, which pays for injuries you cause others, and property damage liability, which covers damage to their property (e.g., their car).

Think of it this way: Comprehensive coverage is for damage to your car, and liability coverage is for damage to others.

Can hail damage be repaired?

Hail damage can be repaired, but it can be expensive if you don’t have the right coverage. (And even if you do, your car could be in the shop for a while depending on the extent of the damage.)

It’s important to both file a hail damage claim and have an adjuster inspect your car quickly after a hailstorm. Your car likely won’t be the only one damaged after a widespread storm, so insurance companies in your area could become bogged down quickly.

Final thoughts

If you’d like to know more about hail damage, talk to your insurance agent today—they can help you determine how much coverage you need and answer any questions you have.

Updated 9-24-25