After a hail storm, one of the first questions vehicle owners ask is: “Will my insurance cover this?” The short answer is yes — if you have comprehensive coverage. Here’s exactly how to navigate the process from start to finish.
Does insurance cover hail damage?
Hail damage falls under comprehensive coverage (sometimes called “other than collision” coverage). This is the portion of your auto insurance policy that covers damage from events outside your control — weather, theft, vandalism, and animal strikes.
Key facts:
- Comprehensive coverage is required to file a hail claim
- Hail claims are not considered at-fault — they’re classified as acts of nature
- Filing a hail claim typically does not increase your premiums
- You’ll pay your comprehensive deductible (commonly $250–$1,000)
If you only carry liability insurance, hail damage is unfortunately not covered.
Step-by-step: filing your hail damage claim
1. Document the damage immediately
Before anything else, take thorough photos:
- Overall shots of the vehicle from all four sides
- Close-up shots of individual dents — shoot at an angle so dents cast shadows
- Photos of the roof and hood from above if possible
- Note the date, time, and location of the storm
Good documentation speeds up the claims process significantly.
2. Contact your insurance company
Call your insurer or file a claim through their app or website. You’ll need:
- Your policy number
- Date and location of the storm
- Description of the damage
- Your photos
Most insurers assign a claim number within 24 hours.
3. Get a professional PDR estimate
Before an adjuster visits, it helps to have an independent estimate from a PDR specialist. This gives you a baseline to compare against the insurance company’s assessment.
At AllDent PDR, we provide free photo-based estimates — just send us your damage photos and we’ll reply the same day.
4. Meet the insurance adjuster
Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the vehicle. They’ll count dents, note affected panels, and write an estimate. A few tips:
- Be present during the inspection so you can point out damage they might miss
- Have your independent estimate ready for comparison
- Ask about supplement claims — if additional damage is found during repair, a supplement can be filed for the difference
5. Choose your repair shop
You always have the right to choose your own repair provider — regardless of what your insurance company recommends. Insurers may suggest preferred shops, but they cannot require you to use one.
Choose a technician with proven hail repair experience. AllDent PDR works directly with insurance companies to handle paperwork and ensure full coverage of the repair.
6. Get the repair done
Once approved, schedule your repair. With PDR, most hail repairs are completed in 1–3 days depending on severity. Since AllDent PDR is a mobile service, we come to your location — no towing or rental car needed.
7. Final inspection and payment
After repair:
- Inspect the vehicle in good lighting to confirm all dents are resolved
- Your insurer pays the shop directly (minus your deductible)
- You pay only your deductible amount
Common questions about hail damage claims
Will my rates go up?
In most states, comprehensive claims do not affect your premiums because the damage wasn’t caused by your driving. However, policies vary — check with your agent to confirm.
What if the damage exceeds my car’s value?
If repair costs exceed a certain percentage of your vehicle’s value (usually 70–80%), the insurer may declare it a total loss. In this case, they’ll offer you the vehicle’s actual cash value. You can negotiate this amount if you believe it’s too low.
Can I keep the insurance payout and not repair the car?
Technically yes — you can accept the payout and drive with the dents. However, unrepaired hail damage lowers resale value significantly and may cause rust over time. We strongly recommend getting the repair done.
What if I don’t have comprehensive coverage?
Without comprehensive coverage, hail damage repair is an out-of-pocket expense. AllDent PDR offers competitive pricing and free estimates to help you understand the cost before committing.
Tips to speed up the process
- File your claim as soon as possible — storm seasons create high claim volumes
- Get your own estimate first — it gives you leverage during the adjuster’s assessment
- Choose a mobile PDR service — skip the body shop waitlist and get repaired on-site
- Ask about rental car coverage — your policy may include rental reimbursement during repair
AllDent PDR works with your insurance
We handle hail damage insurance repairs regularly and work directly with adjusters to ensure accurate estimates and smooth approvals. As a mobile service, we travel to storm-affected areas across the U.S. — so no matter where the hail hits, we can get your vehicle restored quickly.
Contact us for a free estimate — send photos and your location, and we’ll reply the same day.