What to Do After Hail Damage Hits Your Vehicle

Hail storms come without a warning and can destroy your vehicle, costing you a lot of money.  

When a hailstorm rolls through, it can leave more than just a dent in your day—it can leave dents all over your car.

According to this article, State Farm’s report on 2021 hail claims found the average hail claim for vehicles was $5,000. That’s up 16% from the 2020 report that showed auto hail claims averaging around $4,300. To help you avoid costly repairs, here’s what to do after the storm hits.

Hail Damage? Here's What To Do Next:

windshield Hail Damage Checklist with an SUZ to the left with a starburst crack on its windshield

Step 1: Inspect and Document the Damage

  • Take Photos: Snap clear images of the hail damage on your vehicle from multiple angles. Include close-ups of dents, broken glass, and the hailstones if possible.
  • Note the Details: Record the date, time, and location of the storm. Weather reports or news articles can support your insurance claim.

 

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider A simple red icon of a telephone handset with sound waves emanating from it, enclosed in a circle, representing a phone call or communication. 

If you carry comprehensive coverage, hail damage is typically covered.

When calling your provider:

  • Have your insurance card handy.
  • Share the photos and documentation.
  • Request a thorough inspection from the adjuster—point out all the areas of concern.

💡 Tip: You don’t have to use the shop your insurance company recommends. Minnesota law gives you the right to choose.

 

Step 3: Decide If You Want to File a Claim

  • Worth It? If the cost to repair the damage exceeds your deductible, filing a claim makes sense.
  • Keep the Cash? If your car is older or nearing trade-in, you may choose to accept the insurance payout without repairing the damage (if your vehicle is paid off).
  • Loan or Lease? If you still owe on the car, you’ll likely be required to get the repairs done.

 

Step 4: What If Your Car Is Totaled? A simple red icon of a tombstone with the letters 'RIP' engraved on it, representing the concept of something being deceased or ended.

If the repair cost is more than your car’s value, your insurer will declare it a total loss and offer a payout based on market value. Use this to shop for a replacement vehicle—or a new policy with better hail coverage.

 

Step 5: Address Windshield Damage Immediately A black-and-white illustration of a car viewed from the front, with a large crack in the upper left corner of the windshield. 

Even small cracks from hail can impair your visibility—and in some cases, make your vehicle illegal to drive.

  • Repair vs. Replace: Minor damage can often be repaired quickly and affordably.
  • Insurance Perk: Some policies cover glass repairs without a deductible.
  • Safety First: Large cracks in the driver’s line of sight require full windshield replacement.

At Auto Glass Express, we make the process easy. Just provide:

  1. Your insurance carrier
  2. Policy number
  3. Vehicle year, make, and model
  4. Date of damage

We’ll file your claim, work with your insurance, and handle everything from start to finish.

 

 

A black-and-white illustration of a car viewed from the front, with a large crack in the upper left corner of the windshield. Is your windshield cracked?

If you notice any hail damage to your windshield, you’ll likely need it repaired or replaced quickly. Windshield hail damage is a safety issue, and in some cases, it can even be illegal to drive with a hail-cracked windshield.

If hail has only slightly damaged your windshield, you may be able to have it repaired instead of replaced. Windshield repairs can keep costs down since only a small area of the windshield will need to be fixed. By helping to keep insurance costs down, you will maintain your insurance premiums. Additionally, some insurance companies will cover glass repairs with no deductible because it is less expensive than a full windshield replacement.

Windshield replacement, on the other hand, may be needed for more extensive windshield hail damage. Hail damage to your windshield that is directly in front of the driver is damage that is not considered “small”. Windshield replacement is covered under the comprehensive portion of auto insurance policies. For drivers without insurance coverage, windshield replacement costs vary by location, vehicle make and model, and the type of glass used. If your auto glass suffered most of the hail damage, hire a professional to fix or replace the glass.

 

How to get hail dents out yourself:

A simple red icon depicting a person inspecting or repairing a car, with a starburst symbol on the car's surface, indicating damage or a dent.

DIY Dent Repair (If You’re Feeling Brave)

If you’re experienced with car care, you might try:

  • Heating and Cooling: Use a hair dryer and dry ice or compressed air.
  • Dent Repair Kits: Available at most auto parts stores.

⚠️ Caution: DIY methods may not restore your vehicle perfectly. When in doubt, call a professional.

 

A simple red icon of a cloud with a lightning bolt underneath, representing a storm. Expecting a storm? Prevent Hail Damage Before It Starts

Next time storms are in the forecast:

  • Get Covered: Park in a garage or under a shelter.
  • Use Protection: Thick blankets or a hail cover can cushion your car.
  • Don’t Park Under Trees: Falling branches can do more damage than hail.
  • Stop Driving: If caught in a storm, safely pull over. Hail damage is worse at high speeds.
  • Upgrade Insurance: If you haven’t yet, comprehensive coverage is a smart investment.

 

Trust the Local Experts at Auto Glass Express

Hail happens—but with the right steps, it doesn’t have to derail your week. Whether it’s a cracked windshield or a claim you need help filing, Auto Glass Express is here to help. We’re certified, insurance-approved, and trusted by drivers across Minnesota.

📞 Call us at (651) 494-9252 or schedule your repair online.