Essential Tips for Driving in a Hailstorm Plus Other Related FAQs

$1.07 billion—this is the annual cost of hailstorm-related property damage across the US, according to data released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Although it’s unclear how much vehicle damage contributes to that jaw-dropping cost, driving during a hailstorm can be dangerous. Thankfully, there are ways to stay safe and minimize damage if there’s a need for you to drive through one.

What to Do When Driving During a Hailstorm

Most hailstorms only last a few minutes. However, knowing what to do in this short period can help you avoid severe injuries while on the road.

Pull Over When It’s Possible

It can be hard to see during a hailstorm. The road can also become slippery, making some vehicles difficult to steer and handle. Sometimes the best thing to do is stop driving and wait for the hailstorm to pass.

Try to find a place where it’s safe to pull over and make sure you’re out of the traffic lane. Look for a gas station, canopy, or parking garage. Avoid flood-prone areas if you can.

Don’t Get Out of the Car

Pea-sized hailstones normally won’t damage your ride. However, you’ll never know when you’ll encounter large ones.

The largest hailstone recovered in the US had a diameter of eight inches and a circumference of 18.62 inches. It weighed 1 lb. 15 oz.

Now imagine what would happen if a hailstone that size hit you. This is why it’s recommended to stay in your car until the hailstorm passes.

Stay Away from Your Windows

Always keep a coat or blanket in your car. You can use this during a hailstorm to protect your head and neck from shattered window glass.

If you happen to be driving your kids when a hailstorm hits, make sure they’re positioned beneath you so you can protect them. Recline your seats to help reduce the risk of being hit by shattered glass. You can also ask the kids to sit on the floor.

What to Do When the Hailstorm Is Over

As soon as it’s over, assess the damage to your vehicle. If it’s extensive, don’t hesitate to call roadside assistance. You can also start taking photos of the damage so you can use them later for insurance claims.

What Can Hailstorm Do to My Vehicle?

Aside from shattered window glass, large hailstones can also damage your car’s paint. They can also create small dings and large dents on your vehicle’s body.

Once hailstones shatter your window glass, debris and rain can get inside your cabin, so your interior can also be compromised.

Can I File an Insurance Claim for Hailstorm Damage?

It depends on your insurance coverage. Comprehensive insurance usually covers weather-related damage. If you live in a state where hailstorms are common, make sure you contact your insurance provider to confirm whether hailstorm-related damage is covered in your policy.

Is Making An Insurance Claim Worth It?

It depends on many factors like the severity of the damage and the cost of your deductible. If the total repair cost is significantly larger than your deductible, it’s worth it to file a claim.

Some insurance companies will issue you a check. Others will reimburse you after the repair is done. If you have a go-to body shop whose estimate is higher than those of the insurance adjusters, you can connect them with each other.

Can Hail Damage Total My Car?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Severe hailstorms can total an old car. Your insurance adjuster will be the one to decide if your car should be “totaled” after inspection. If your insurance company declares your vehicle a total loss, they’ll pay you an amount that’s equivalent to your vehicle’s actual cash value minus any deductible.

Hail Damage Repair

If your vehicle’s body is dented all over, you can try and repair it through a process called paintless dent repair (PDR). A professional will apply pressure to the backside of your car’s panels to push back the dents without damaging your car’s finish. However, if the damage is extensive, you may need to spend more for extensive bodywork repair.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Hail Damage?

According to State Farm, the average vehicle hail claim in 2021 was $5,000. Repair costs vary depending on the number and size of the dents as well as their location.

For example, a professional might charge you more if the dents are located in curved body panels since it can be more difficult to fix them.

In Which States Are Hailstorms Common? 

Hailstorms can occur in any state. But interestingly, some states are more vulnerable to hailstorms. Some of the top hailstorm-prone states include Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.