Driving through a hailstorm is scary, with ice balls crashing into the windshield and side panels. In places like Denver, situated straight in the path of Hail Alley, hailstorms happen at least 8 times a year. So, learning to survive them is a driving skill used often.
However, knowing when and how to file an insurance claim for a hail-damaged car isn’t always as obvious. In this guide, we’ll discuss auto hail repair in Denver and the best ways to repair your vehicle flawlessly and get it covered on your policy.
Who Should Read This Guide Before Filing a Claim
This guide is for drivers like you whose vehicles have recently been battered by hailstones, leaving dents, dings, or even cracked glass. You’ll find straightforward steps to help you file an insurance claim quickly and simply. Hail damage can happen to anyone — commuters, pickup truck owners, or high-value vehicle owners concerned about protecting resale value and everything in between.
Think of this as a reference you can revisit throughout the claims process. Our goal is to help you navigate your insurance claim process from start to finish, so checking back will be beneficial as you go through the claims process.
What is Hail Damage and Why Does It Cause So Many Dents
For the uninitiated, hail damage results when balls of hail drop from the sky and slam into your vehicle, causing dimples and divots that are impossible to avoid unless you can get under cover. Hailstones are formed when raindrops are carried upward by thunderstorm updrafts into icy areas and freeze. Hailstones then grow by colliding with liquid water drops that freeze onto the hailstone’s surface.
Eventually, the ice balls will get so heavy that gravity takes over and they fall to the ground, and in many cases, they pick up speeds of 9-25mph. Recently, hail struck a Colorado car owner twice in two weeks, once while his vehicle was being repaired at the shop! That’s how often hairstorms hit Colorado.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage to My Vehicle
Coverage for your hail damage boils down to one thing: Do you have comprehensive or liability-only coverage? If you have a comprehensive policy, hail damage will likely be covered; if you have liability-only coverage, it won’t.
Check your car insurance policy for the deductible. Even if you have comprehensive coverage, the repairs to your vehicle might be less than your deductible, which means you’ll end up paying for the repairs out of pocket.
File your claim as quickly as possible. If a hailstorm has recently ripped through your area, insurance adjusters will be backed up, and you don’t want to run out of time to file your claim.
Most policies that cover damage from storms also include car hail damage; some even offer a hail protection option for added peace of mind.
Five Steps To Successfully Filing Your Hail Damage Insurance Claim
Filing insurance claims can be tricky. Even though your claim is totally legit, there’s always the possibility it will be denied, leaving you holding the bag and with a pile of out-of-pocket expenses. We’ve put together the five steps to help you get your claim approved and back on the road asap.
1. Understand Your Hail Damage Coverage and Deductibles
When you file a hail damage claim, your auto insurance policy determines how much gets covered and what you’ll pay out of pocket. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage caused by hail, falling objects, or storm-related debris. But hail damage won’t be included if you only carry auto liability coverage.
Another factor is your deductible for car hail damage claims. You’ll be responsible for the bill if the repair costs exceed the deductible. Some insurance providers may waive the deductible on glass claims — for example, if hail cracks or shatters your windshield and interior glass. Always confirm with your insurance company before filing. But first, there are the steps to getting your claim covered without any hassles.
2. Document the Hail Damage Immediately
Quickly documenting the damage after a hailstorm can significantly improve your chances of getting your claim covered without overlooking anything. Take clear photos and/or videos from several different angles, which is especially important because minor dings and dents can only be seen from a certain angle and in certain light, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there.
Make note of the storm’s date, time, and location, and save any weather alerts or reports of the day of the damage that support your claim.
3. Schedule an Inspection With An Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster will inspect your vehicle for damage by visiting your home or bringing you to a claims center. Bring all of your documentation and be thorough when pointing out the damage. The adjuster writes the damage report, and the insurance company pays claims based on their information.
4. Get Repair Estimates From Hail Damage Professionals
The insurance company suggests insurer-preferred body shops; however, you likely can independently choose a shop. If you must use a specific repair shop, know this before you start getting quotes. Some insurers don’t allow policyholders to select their shop, and they’ll deny the claim if you go outside their preferred shops.
Furthermore, you can get your vehicle repaired immediately or simply accept the payout and continue driving your car. The decision is yours.
5. File Your Hail Damage Claim Promptly
Don’t hesitate. Contact your insurer as quickly as possible. You’ll be asked for details, such as policy number and when/where the hailstorm occurred, and to attach photos. Ask for your claim number; having the agent handle your case is essential.
How Hail Damage Claims Affect Your Insurance
A common question is whether filing a hail damage claim will affect your car insurance premium. Because hail is considered an “act of nature,” one claim usually won’t raise your rates. However, claim frequency may affect how your insurer views your risk.
Another piece of the puzzle is your vehicle’s actual cash value. If the costs exceed its depreciated value, your insurer may declare it a total loss and pay the car’s actual cash value instead of repairing it. That’s why understanding how insurers calculate value is essential before you file a car insurance claim for hail.
FAQs About Filing a Hail Damage Claim
My car got nailed in a hailstorm — does insurance even cover this?
Usually, yes. If you’ve comprehensive policy coverage, hail damage is typically included. But hail dents and broken glass won’t be covered if you only carry liability.
Am I going to see my insurance rates jump if I file?
That’s always the concern when filing a claim. Your rates won’t necessarily go up. Since hail damage is considered an ‘act of nature’, insurers don’t blame you. One hail damage claim likely won’t affect your rates, but multiple claims probably will.
How fast do I need to file a claim?
The sooner the better. After a significant storm, insurance adjusters get backed up, and you don’t want to be part of a bottleneck.
What if the repairs cost less than my deductible?
The repairs might be less than your deductible, so you must pay out of pocket.
I’ve heard about paintless dent repair (PDR). Is that legit?
Absolutely. PDR is a common fix for hail dents — it’s faster and cheaper than traditional bodywork since there’s no repainting involved. PDR is often a good option when the damage to your car includes dents in the hood. Insurance companies usually approve it if the damage qualifies.
Hail Damage Repair Services You Can Trust in Denver
In Denver, hailstorms aren’t an ‘if’ — they’re a ‘when.’ Stick around long enough, and your vehicle will almost certainly wear the dents to prove it. You’ll want a reliable hail damage repair shop you can trust to get your car looking and driving like new again.
Mile High Dents has been repairing vehicles since the 1980s. We started as a locally owned shop and grew into the most trusted autobody shop in the Denver metro. Over the years, we’ve repaired thousands of vehicles caught in hailstorms. We were the first in the area to offer paintless dent repair (PDR), a non-invasive hail damage repair option in some cases.
If you’ve been caught in a hailstorm and need advice and repairs, contact us online for a free quote or call us at (720) 772-0133 and talk to a hail damage repair expert. Mile High Dents wants to get you back on the road safely.