Yes, car insurance covers hail damage in Illinois if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from weather-related damage like hailstorms, which are becoming more common in Illinois.
Hailstorms have been on the rise, with Illinois seeing a surge in major hail events from 2022 to 2024. If you’re a resident of Illinois or Chicago, it’s crucial to understand how your auto insurance policy works in the event of hail damage.
Comprehensive coverage, an optional part of most policies, will cover hail-related damage to your car, such as dents or cracked windows, minus your deductible. However, the state’s minimum liability-only insurance will not cover this type of damage. This makes comprehensive coverage an essential choice for drivers in hail-prone areas.
If your car sustains hail damage, Insure on the Spot can help you navigate the claims process. Call 773-202-5060 for assistance.
What is Comprehensive Coverage and How Does it Work for Hail Damage?
Comprehensive coverage is a key part of your auto insurance policy that covers damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision. This includes weather-related events like hail, floods, or fallen tree branches. If your car is damaged by hail, comprehensive coverage will pay for the repair costs, up to your policy’s limit (usually the car’s actual cash value), minus your deductible.
However, if you only have liability coverage, hail damage will not be covered, and you’ll need to pay for repairs out-of-pocket.
Does Liability Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
No, standard liability insurance will not cover hail damage to your car. Liability insurance is designed to pay for damages or injuries you cause to other people or property in an accident. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle. If you’re only carrying Illinois’ minimum required liability insurance, you’ll need comprehensive coverage for hailstorm-related repairs. Make sure to review your policy and ensure you have comprehensive coverage to protect against hail damage.
How Do I File a Car Insurance Claim for Hail Damage?
If hail has damaged your car, and you have comprehensive coverage, you should file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Here’s what you should do:
- Document the damage: Take clear photos or videos of the hail damage, including dents, cracked or shattered glass, and other visible damage. Note the date and time of the hailstorm for your records.
- Contact your insurer: Start the claim promptly through your insurer’s app, website, or by phone. Provide details about the incident, your policy number, and the damage.
- Get a damage assessment: Your insurance adjuster will inspect the damage, either in person or via photos. They will provide an estimate for repairs.
- Complete repairs: Once your claim is approved, you’ll pay your deductible, and your insurer will cover the remaining repair costs up to the value of your car.
Will Filing a Hail Damage Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?
It might. Filing a comprehensive claim for hail damage can lead to higher auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies review your claims history, and multiple claims over time can mark you as a higher-risk customer, which may result in rate increases.
However, comprehensive claims (for weather-related damage) tend to have less impact on your rates than at-fault accidents. In Illinois, the frequency of hailstorms has caused premiums to rise, with rates increasing by roughly 18% in 2024.
Can Hail Damage Total My Car?
Yes, it’s possible for hail damage to total your car. If the repair costs exceed your car’s value (actual cash value), the insurer will declare it a total loss. For example, if your car is worth $8,000 and the hail damage is estimated at $10,000, your insurer will likely pay you the $8,000 (minus your deductible).
If your car is financed or leased, consider gap insurance to cover the difference between your insurance payout and the amount you owe.
How Can I Protect My Car from Hail Damage?
While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to minimize hail damage:
- Park under cover: If possible, park your car in a garage, carport, or covered lot. If you don’t have access to covered parking, consider renting a space.
- Use a car cover: If parking outside, use a specialized hail protection cover or thick blankets. Secure the cover tightly to prevent it from blowing away.
- Pull over safely if driving in hail: If you’re on the road when a hailstorm hits, pull over to a safe area like a gas station canopy or under a bridge to protect your vehicle from severe damage.
Taking these steps will help reduce the risk of hail damage, but it’s essential to have the right insurance coverage in place for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does car insurance cover hail damage?
A: Yes – but only if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance will pay for hail damage to your car (dents, broken glass, etc.) minus your deductible. It covers most weather-related damage and other non-collision events. If you only have liability coverage, your insurance will not cover hail damage to your vehicle.
Q: What does comprehensive car insurance cover?
A: Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from events other than crashes. This includes natural disasters (hail storms, floods, wildfires, etc.), falling or flying objects (e.g., hailstones or tree limbs), vandalism and theft, fire, and collisions with animals.
Q: How do I file a hail damage claim on my car insurance?
A: Treat it like any other claim: document and report it. Take photos of all the hail damage, then notify your insurance company (via app, online, or phone) and provide details of the incident. Your insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage (or review your photos) and provide a repair estimate. Once the claim is approved, you’ll pay your deductible and the insurance will cover the remaining repair costs up to your policy’s limit.
Q: Will a hail damage claim make my insurance go up?
A: It can. Filing a comprehensive claim for hail may lead to a premium increase on your next renewal. Insurers consider your claims history – if you have multiple claims (even for non-collision damage), you’re more likely to see a rate hike.
Q: Do I have to pay a deductible for hail damage repairs?
A: Yes. Comprehensive claims require you to pay your policy’s deductible amount. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and hail causes $2,000 in damage, you pay $500, and insurance covers the remaining $1,500.
Q: How can I protect my car from hail damage?
A: The best protection is to park under cover (in a garage or carport) whenever possible during hail warnings. If you don’t have covered parking, use a thick car cover or even blankets to shield your windshield, roof, and hood from hail.
Get a Quote Today!
If you need help with your car insurance or are concerned about hail damage coverage, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. We can help you get the right coverage to protect your vehicle from the unexpected.