Does Hail Damage Raise Your Insurance Rates? The Truth.

← Back to Blog

This is the #1 question we hear from customers after a hailstorm: "If I file a claim, will my rates go up?" It's a fair concern — and the answer is one of the most important things you can know as a vehicle owner.

Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage — The Key Difference

Your auto insurance has two main types of coverage for vehicle damage:

• Collision coverage — pays for damage when your car collides with another vehicle or object. Because collision claims involve driver behavior, they can affect your rates.
• Comprehensive coverage — pays for damage caused by events outside your control: weather, theft, falling trees, flood, fire, and hail. Because you are not at fault, these claims typically do not raise your premium.

Hail damage always falls under comprehensive coverage. You didn't cause the storm. You couldn't have prevented it. Insurance companies treat it accordingly.

What "Not At Fault" Means for Your Premium

Insurance premiums are calculated based on risk — specifically, the risk that you as a driver will cause an accident or make a claim due to your own actions. When a hailstorm damages your car, there is no driver risk involved. Your insurer cannot penalize you for something nature did to your vehicle.

This is why hail damage claims are treated very differently from collision claims. Filing a comprehensive hail claim does not signal to your insurer that you are a higher-risk driver — because it isn't a reflection of your driving at all.

What CAN Raise Your Rates

To be clear about what does affect your rates:

• At-fault accidents and collision claims
• Speeding tickets and moving violations
• Multiple comprehensive claims in a short period (varies by insurer)
• DUI or reckless driving

A single hail damage comprehensive claim is not on this list. Most insurers won't raise your rates even if you've had multiple comprehensive claims — though it's always worth confirming with your specific provider.

How Insurance Adjusters Handle Hail Claims

When you file a hail damage claim, your insurer assigns an adjuster to assess your vehicle. The adjuster will inspect every panel and create an estimate for the cost of repairs. Here's what to know:

• Adjusters can miss dents, especially in poor lighting or on complex panels
• We recommend having a certified PDR specialist assess your vehicle before the adjuster visit so every dent is documented
• If the adjuster's estimate seems low, you have the right to request a re-inspection or use a supplemental claim

Your Deductible — What It Means for You

Your comprehensive deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. Common deductible amounts are $500 or $1,000. If your hail repair costs $3,500 and your deductible is $500, your insurance pays $3,000.

In most hail events, the repair cost significantly exceeds the deductible — making it well worth filing the claim. Our technicians can give you a realistic repair estimate during your free assessment so you can make an informed decision.

Should You File or Pay Out of Pocket?

Filing makes sense in almost every case where the repair cost exceeds your deductible. Here's a simple guide:

• File the claim if your damage is moderate to severe (multiple panels, many dents)
• Pay out of pocket if your damage is very minor and repair cost is close to or below your deductible

When in doubt, schedule a free assessment first. We'll give you an honest estimate so you can decide what makes the most sense for your situation.

How to Maximize Your Hail Claim

To get the full value of your hail damage covered:

• Document every dent with photos before and after the storm
• Schedule a certified PDR assessment before your adjuster visit
• Don't accept the first estimate if it feels low — supplemental claims are common in hail repair
• Choose a certified PDR specialist, not a general body shop
• Make sure all damage is included in the adjuster's report before signing off