Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Salt Lake City, UT?
Quick Answer
Yes — hail damage is generally covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy, which protects your vehicle from non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling trees, and severe weather events. However, not every auto insurance policy automatically includes comprehensive coverage, so it's important to check your plan.
Hailstorms can strike without warning, and the damage can range from minor dents and cracked windshields to thousands of dollars in bodywork repairs. If your car is hail damaged, your comprehensive insurance will usually cover repairs or replacement up to the vehicle's actual cash value. Understanding these weather-related risks is crucial, especially when considering tornado damage coverage which can also affect your vehicle.
What Comprehensive Covers
- Hail and severe weather
- Theft and vandalism
- Falling objects and fire
- Animal strikes
The key takeaway: if you live in a storm-prone area including Salt Lake City and other regions, you should carry comprehensive car insurance for hail damaged vehicles to avoid paying out of pocket after a severe hailstorm.
Not all auto insurance policies automatically cover hail damage. To be protected, you’ll need to carry comprehensive coverage, which is typically included when you purchase a full coverage car insurance policy.
A full coverage policy combines three parts:
State-required liability insurance
pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident.
Collision insurance
covers repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.
Comprehensive insurance
protects your vehicle from non-collision losses such as theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects, animal strikes, and hail or other severe weather damage.
In other words, if hail dents your hood or cracks your windshield, comprehensive coverage is the part of your policy that steps in to pay for repairs or replacement, up to your car’s actual cash value. Collision coverage will not apply here since hail isn’t the result of a crash.
Because hailstorms are unpredictable and can cause thousands of dollars in damage, many drivers in storm-prone areas — including Utah — choose to add comprehensive insurance for peace of mind.
Comprehensive Coverage and Hail Protection: A Deeper Look
Why It Matters
Hailstorms are among the most costly weather events for vehicle owners, causing billions in damages annually. In areas like Salt Lake City, where spring and summer storms are common, comprehensive coverage acts as a financial safeguard against sudden, high-impact weather losses.
Financial Impact
Annual hail damage costs to vehicles nationwide
Hail Damage Scenarios Covered
Severe Dents
From golf-ball sized hail causing deep dents and warping of metal panels
Glass Damage
Shattered windshields, sunroofs, and side windows from impact
Paint & Rust
Paint erosion and rust from chipped surfaces and exposed metal
Safety Features
Compromised sensors, cameras, mirrors, and other safety systems
Total Loss
When repair costs exceed your car's actual cash value
Structural Damage
Frame damage and structural integrity issues from severe storms
When Comprehensive May Not Help
- Filing claims below your deductible threshold
- Pre-existing hail damage before the policy start date
- Cosmetic-only issues if repair costs are under coverage guidelines
- Damage from intentional acts or negligence
Smart Claim Strategy
- Document immediately — Take photos/videos post-storm
- Estimate repair vs. replacement — Compare repair shop estimates with your deductible
- Review premium impact — Frequent claims may raise future premiums
- Consider PDR — Paintless Dent Repair often cheaper and preserves factory finish
Key Takeaway
Comprehensive insurance isn't just about covering hail damage—it's about financial resilience against nature's unpredictability. In weather-prone regions like Salt Lake City, it can mean the difference between a manageable deductible and paying out thousands of dollars from your own pocket.
What Kind of Damage Can Hail Cause to Your Car?
Hail Size Matters
The size of hailstones directly impacts the severity of damage. Even small hailstones can cause significant damage to your vehicle.
Body & Structure Damage
Hail can cause severe damage to your car, depending on the size and intensity of the storm. When hailstones are as large as baseballs or even bigger, they can do more than just dent the surface. They may bend or warp the metal panels, damage the frame, or even impact the engine.
Large Hail Impact (Baseball-sized & larger):
- Severe dents and warping
- Structural damage to panels
- Potential engine compartment damage
- Costly repairs often required
Glass & Finish Damage
Glass parts like windshields, windows, and side mirrors are especially vulnerable and can shatter under heavy hail. Even smaller hailstones shouldn’t be overlooked. Hail as small as one inch in diameter — about the size of a quarter — can leave behind chipped paint, cracked glass, and plenty of dents across the body of your car. While these might seem like cosmetic issues, untreated damage can lead to rust or reduced resale value over time.
Is It Worth Claiming Hail Damage to Your Car?
Consider Paying Out of Pocket
Whether you should file a hail damage claim depends on the extent of the damage and your deductible. For example, if your car has $500 in hail damage but your deductible is $1,000, it’s better to pay out of pocket, as your insurance wouldn’t cover anything.
Consider Filing a Claim
Filing small claims like this could also increase your future insurance premiums. However, if hail has caused severe dents, shattered glass, or structural damage that makes your car undrivable, filing a claim is likely worth it. For instance, if hail damage costs $3,500 to repair and your deductible is $1,000, your insurance would cover the remaining $2,500, which can save you a significant amount.
Pro tip: A smart first step is to visit a local auto body shop for an inspection and repair estimate, then compare the cost to your deductible before deciding whether to file a claim.
Before Filing a Claim
- Get multiple repair estimates from local body shops
- Compare repair costs to your deductible
- Consider potential premium increases
- Document all damage with photos/videos
When to File a Claim
- Damage exceeds deductible significantly
- Vehicle is unsafe to drive
- Multiple body panels affected
- Glass damage impairs visibility
How to Prevent Hail Damage
The best way to avoid a costly hail claim is to protect your car before a storm hits. Some states experience more hailstorms than others. According to the Triple-I, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma saw the most major hail events in 2024. If you live in a high-risk area, taking precautionary measures and having the right car insurance Salt Lake City policy can save you from expensive repairs.
Hail Risk by State (2024)
According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), these states experienced the most major hail events:
Park in a Garage
Whenever possible, keep your vehicle indoors to avoid direct hail impact.
Find Shelter During a Storm
If caught driving during a hailstorm, pull over under a covered structure, bridge, or overpass.
Use a Hail Car Cover
If a garage isn't available, a protective car cover can provide a temporary barrier.
Install a Carport
A cost‑effective alternative to a garage for shielding your vehicle at home.
Check the Weather
Monitoring forecasts before leaving home can help you avoid driving during hailstorms.
By taking a few simple steps, you can protect your car from hail damage and minimize the likelihood of filing an insurance claim.
Hail Damage Claims Process
1. Document Damage
Take photos/videos immediately after the storm
2. Contact Insurer
File claim via app or phone with details
3. Get Estimate
Visit approved body shop for repair quote
4. Complete Repairs
Pay deductible and get your car fixed
Hail Damage Cost Analysis
Without Comprehensive Coverage
$2,500
Average hail damage$0
Insurance coverageWith Comprehensive Coverage
$2,500
Average hail damage$500
DeductibleReady to Protect Your Vehicle from Hail Damage?
Get comprehensive coverage that includes protection from Utah's unpredictable weather.
