Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Colorado?

The Front Range sees some of the most frequent hail in the country, so it's one of the most common questions we hear: will my insurance pay for this?

Which coverage pays for hail

Hail damage to your car is normally covered under comprehensive coverage — the part of an auto policy that handles damage not caused by a collision, like weather, falling objects and theft. Liability-only policies generally do not cover hail damage to your own vehicle. Check your declarations page or ask your agent to confirm what you carry.

How the deductible works

Comprehensive claims usually carry a deductible — the amount you pay before insurance pays the rest. Your deductible is set by your policy, so it varies from driver to driver. Your adjuster's estimate will show the repair total and your share.

Will a hail claim raise my rates?

Hail is typically treated as a weather claim rather than an at-fault accident, but every insurer handles rating differently. Your agent is the best person to answer this for your specific policy.

How to file a hail claim

• Photograph the damage in good light from several angles, including the roof, hood and trunk lid
• Note the date and location of the storm
• Contact your insurer or file through their app
• Choose your repair shop — in Colorado, the choice is yours

Paintless dent repair and hail

Many hail dents can be fixed with paintless dent repair (PDR), which massages the metal back into shape from behind the panel while keeping the factory paint intact. Where panels are cracked, stretched or the paint is broken, conventional body and paint repair is needed. A proper inspection determines which method fits each panel.

How we help

Jewell Collision and Hail Repair works directly with insurers on hail claims from our Lakewood and East Denver shops. Learn more about our hail repair service or read the many ways hail can damage your vehicle. Call Lakewood at (303) 763-5330, East Denver at (720) 390-7300, or request a free estimate.