Hail Damage to Cars and Insurance
If your car has hail damage, repair costs can quickly add up. If you have at least comprehensive auto insurance, the insurer will cover the cost of hail damage to your car. Third-party liability insurance does not cover this. Whether filing a claim affects your no-claims bonus varies by insurer.
Compare Car Insurance PoliciesExtreme weather conditions
Climate change is causing weather conditions to become increasingly severe. In extreme situations, hailstones the size of golf balls fall from the sky. A hailstorm like that can cause significant damage to your car. Hail can even cause so much damage that you can no longer drive your car.
Hail Damage Coverage by Insurance Policy
The cost of repairing hail damage can really add up. So be sure to check whether your auto insurance covers hail damage to your car.
Third-Party Auto Insurance
Unfortunately, third-party auto insurance never covers damage to your own car—whether it’s dents caused by hail or any other type of (hail) damage.
Limited comprehensive auto insurance
If you have limited comprehensive auto insurance, the insurer will cover hail damage to your car.
Comprehensive Auto Insurance
Comprehensive auto insurance, of course, also covers hail damage.
Exclusions from Hail Damage Coverage
The insurance policy may exclude coverage in cases of negligence. For example, leaving your car parked in an open area when a hail warning had been issued in advance. Similarly, if you leave the window open and the interior is damaged as a result, this is often not covered. Therefore, always check your policy terms and conditions to avoid any surprises.
Deductible for Auto Damage Caused by Hailstones
Do you have comprehensive or limited coverage auto insurance? If so, damage to your car caused by hail is covered. However, you’ll usually have to pay a deductible for hail damage. The amount of the deductible varies by insurer. You can find this information in the policy terms and conditions.
Report Hail Damage in 2 Steps
Does your car have hail damage? If so, there are two things you need to do:
1
Please contact your broker or insurer immediately
Call your insurance agent or insurer. They will tell you whether you can have your car repaired and what steps you need to take. Fill out the accident report form right away.
2
Take photos of the damage
Take clear photos of the damage to your car. Also take photos of the hailstones that fell. This will allow the insurance company to see how large the hailstones were. Be sure to note the time when thedamageoccurred.
Procedure Following a Damage Report
After filing a claim for hail damage to your car, you will be assigned a dedicated contact person and a unique claim number.
- Your insurance company will contact you to discuss the claim.
- Your car will be inspected by a designated repair shop or expert. They will determine the scope and cost of the repair.
- If your insurance covers it, the insurer will pay for the repair costs. You can then schedule an appointment for the repair.
Claim-free years and hail damage
By driving without making any claims, you build up claim-free years. This entitles you to a discount on your auto insurance premium. Filing a claim for damage to your car caused by hail usually does not affect this.
However, this varies by insurer, so be sure to check the terms and conditions of your auto insurance policy. Your insurer or insurance agent can help you determine which option is more cost-effective in your situation: filing a claim or paying for the damage yourself.
Car Damage Caused by Hail While Abroad
Did the hail damage occur abroad? Abroad, your auto insurance provides the same coverage as it does in the Netherlands. The countries in which you are insured are listed on your Green Card.
If your car sustains hail damage while you're abroad, be sure to contact your insurance company immediately.
Tip: Ask the hotel or campground owner to write a statement. Your insurance company may have a hard time verifying whether it actually hailed during your vacation abroad.
Compare Car Insurance Policies
Car insurance premiums and terms vary widely. Use our tool to easily compare different car insurance policies. Then, take out a car insurance policy right away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hail Damage to Cars
Does my auto insurance cover hail damage?
Yes, hail damage is covered if you have limited comprehensive or all-risk auto insurance. These policies cover damage caused by extreme weather conditions, such as hail. Do you only have liability insurance? In that case, hail damage to your car is not covered.
Which car insurance policies cover hail damage?
Partial coverage and comprehensive auto insurance cover hail damage to your car. Liability insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle. Always check the policy terms and conditions to make sure you know what your insurance covers.
What is the deductible for hail damage to my car?
In the event of hail damage, an deductible usually applies if you have limited comprehensive or all-risk insurance. The amount of the deductible varies by insurer and can be found in your policy terms and conditions. In some cases, you can buy out this deductible.
When is hail damage excluded from coverage?
The insurance policy may exclude coverage for hail damage caused by negligence. For example, if you deliberately leave your car outside despite a hail warning, or if the windows were left open, causing damage to the interior. Be sure to read your policy terms and conditions carefully to avoid any surprises.
Related pages about auto damage
Never Underinsured
Create Your Own Package
A wide selection
We compare all insurance companies for you, saving you time
Help from our experts
Can't figure it out? Our experts are always ready to help you
We'd be happy to help you right away
Having trouble figuring it out online? We're happy to help you via chat or WhatsApp.
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.