Hailstorms are becoming more frequent and costly, with South Florida facing two significant hail events in 2025 alone. As insurers raise rates to cover rising hailstorm damages, understanding your car insurance coverage is crucial. This guide explains whether car insurance covers hail damage, what it includes, and how to navigate claims, especially in hail-prone areas like South Florida.
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Hail Risk in 2025: A Growing Threat
Hailstorms pose an increasing threat to vehicles, with damages costing $1.07 billion annually across the U.S.. In 2025, even South Florida, typically known for hurricanes, experienced two hailstorms, causing significant vehicle damage. Texas leads with 529 hail events in 2024, a 167% increase from 2023, while states like Colorado and Nebraska also face high risks. Hailstones, ranging from pea-sized to golf ball-sized, can cause dents, cracked windshields, and even total vehicles, making comprehensive insurance critical for drivers in affected areas.
[](https://insurify.com/car-insurance/insights/states-most-vulnerable-to-hail-damage/)[](https://insurify.com/car-insurance/insights/states-most-vulnerable-to-hail-damage/)Why Are Insurers Raising Rates?
Insurers are increasing auto insurance rates due to the rising cost of hailstorm damages. In Texas, State Farm’s hail claim costs jumped from $474.6 million in 2020 to $710 million in 2021. The average hail damage claim in 2021 was $5,000, reflecting the severity of modern storms. In South Florida, 2025’s unexpected hail events have added pressure, as insurers face higher repair costs and more frequent claims. Comprehensive coverage premiums, averaging $180/month, are rising to offset these losses, especially in hail-prone regions.
[](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/hail-damage/)[](https://www.carinsurance.com/hail-damage-claims.aspx)[](https://clearsurance.com/blog/hail-damage-what-does-car-insurance-and-home-insurance-cover)Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Car insurance covers hail damage only if you have comprehensive coverage, an optional add-on to standard policies. Unlike liability-only policies, which cover damage you cause to others, comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision events like hail, vandalism, theft, and falling objects. In South Florida, where hail is less common but occurred twice in 2025, adding comprehensive coverage (costing $100-$300/year) is wise for vehicles worth over $3,000 or less than 10 years old. Without it, you’ll pay for repairs out of pocket, which can average $4,300-$6,500 per claim.
[](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/hail-damage/)[](https://www.valuepenguin.com/does-car-insurance-cover-hail-damage)[](https://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance/auto-insurance-basics/hail-damage-are-you-covered.html)What Does Hail Damage Coverage Include?
Comprehensive coverage for hail damage typically includes:
- Dents and Dings: Repairs for cosmetic damage to the hood, roof, doors, or trunk using paintless dent removal or conventional methods. [](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/hail-damage/)
- Glass Damage: Covers cracked or shattered windshields, windows, or mirrors; some insurers waive deductibles for glass repairs. [](https://www.carinsurance.com/hail-damage-claims.aspx)
- Interior Damage: Repairs water damage from broken windows, though coverage for personal items may fall under homeowners insurance. [](https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/hail-damage-is-it-covered-by-car-or-home-insurance-tips-on-protecting-your-car-home-from-hailstones)
- Total Loss: If repair costs exceed the car’s actual cash value, insurers pay the value minus your deductible. [](https://www.progressive.com/answers/does-car-insurance-cover-hail-damage/)
Exclusions may apply for cosmetic damage in some policies, so review your policy details.
[](https://clearsurance.com/blog/hail-damage-what-does-car-insurance-and-home-insurance-cover)How to File a Hail Damage Claim
If your vehicle is damaged by hail in 2025, follow these steps to file a claim:
- Document Damage: Take photos or videos of all hail damage (dents, cracked glass) and avoid repairs until approved. [](https://www.progressive.com/answers/does-car-insurance-cover-hail-damage/)
- Contact Your Insurer: File a claim online, via a mobile app, or by phone as soon as possible, as delays may complicate claims. [](https://www.carinsurance.com/hail-damage-claims.aspx)
- Get an Estimate: An adjuster will assess damage, or you can get a quote from a trusted body shop to compare with your deductible. [](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/hail-damage/)
- Pay Your Deductible: You’ll pay the deductible (e.g., $500), and the insurer covers the rest, up to your policy limit. [](https://www.progressive.com/answers/does-car-insurance-cover-hail-damage/)
- Arrange Repairs: Choose a reputable shop; some insurers pay shops directly, while others reimburse you. [](https://www.progressive.com/answers/does-car-insurance-cover-hail-damage/)
In South Florida, where repair shops may be busy post-hailstorm, filing promptly is key. Note that comprehensive claims typically don’t raise premiums, but multiple claims may increase rates.
[](https://www.carinsurance.com/hail-damage-claims.aspx)Bottom Line
Hail damage is a growing concern in 2025, even in South Florida, and comprehensive coverage is essential to avoid costly repairs. With insurers raising rates due to increasing storm severity, review your policy, document damage thoroughly, and file claims promptly to protect your vehicle and wallet.
Related Articles
- Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage? – Forbes Advisor
- Hail Damage Claims: How Car Insurance Pays – CarInsurance.com
- Protecting Your Property from Hail – National Weather Service
- How to Protect Your Car from Hail – Insurance Information Institute
Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance cover hail damage in 2025?
Yes, car insurance covers hail damage if you have comprehensive coverage, which is optional and covers non-collision events like hailstorms.
What does hail damage coverage include?
It covers dents, cracked windshields, interior water damage, and total loss payouts, minus your deductible. Some policies exclude cosmetic damage.
Is hailstorm damage covered by auto insurance?
Hailstorm damage is covered under comprehensive auto insurance, but not liability-only policies. Check your policy for exclusions.
Why are auto insurance rates rising in South Florida?
Rates are rising due to costly hailstorms, like the two in South Florida in 2025, with average claims of $5,000 and increasing repair costs.
How do I file a hail damage claim?
Document damage with photos, contact your insurer promptly, get a repair estimate, pay your deductible, and choose a reputable shop for repairs.
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