Hail Damage: Warranty vs. Insurance

A hailstorm can dent your car, crack your windshield, damage your roof and batter your outdoor AC unit in a matter of minutes. When it's over, many people wonder whether their warranty will help. In most cases, hail damage is an insurance matter, not a warranty one. Here's why, and what to do after a storm.

Why warranties usually don't cover hail

Warranties and service contracts are designed to cover breakdowns, meaning parts that fail from defects or normal wear and tear. Hail damage comes from an outside event, so it falls outside what these products typically cover.

That applies to:

• Factory car warranties, which cover defects in materials and workmanship
• Vehicle service contracts, which cover mechanical and electrical breakdowns of listed parts
• Home warranties, which cover systems and appliances that fail from normal use

Most contracts specifically exclude damage from weather, accidents, fire, floods and other outside causes. Read the exclusions section of your contract to confirm.

Hail damage to your car

For vehicles, hail damage is generally handled by the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage is optional, so check whether your policy includes it and what your deductible is. If you have a car loan or lease, the lender may require it.

Common hail damage to cars includes:

• Dents on the roof, hood and trunk
• Cracked or shattered windshields and windows
• Broken mirrors, lights and trim
• Damaged sunroofs

After the storm, photograph the damage from several angles and contact your insurer. Many areas see paintless dent repair specialists set up after major storms. Ask your insurer about approved repair shops and get written estimates.

When a service contract might still matter

Hail itself isn't covered, but a service contract can still be relevant after a storm in some situations. For example, if a covered part fails later from normal wear and has nothing to do with the hail, that repair may be covered under your contract terms.

What usually isn't covered is any part damaged by the storm, such as a cracked sunroof motor housing or a sensor broken by impact. Those go through insurance. Our auto warranty coverage page explains what service contracts typically include.

Hail damage to your home

For homes, hail damage is generally a homeowners insurance issue. Common hail damage includes:

• Damaged shingles, gutters and flashing
• Dented siding and window frames
• Cracked skylights and windows
• Bent fins on the outdoor AC condenser

Homeowners policies vary, and some areas with frequent hail use separate wind or hail deductibles. Check your policy and talk with your agent.

Roof and AC questions

Two home items cause the most confusion:

Roof leaks. Some home warranty plans offer limited roof leak coverage as an add-on, but it's typically for leaks from normal wear in specific areas, not storm damage. Hail damage to a roof goes through insurance.

Outdoor AC unit. A home warranty may cover the air conditioning system when it breaks down from normal use. If hail crushes the condenser fins or punctures a coil, that's usually an insurance claim. Bent fins can reduce efficiency, so have an HVAC technician inspect the unit after a big storm.

What to do after a hailstorm

1. Stay safe. Wait until the storm has fully passed before going outside.
2. Document everything. Take photos and videos of all damage, with dates.
3. Prevent further damage. Cover broken windows or roof openings if it's safe, and keep receipts for materials.
4. Contact your insurer promptly to start a claim.
5. Be cautious with storm chasers. Get written estimates from licensed, local contractors and check reviews before signing anything.
6. Check for hidden damage. Look for leaks in the attic or new noises from the AC unit in the days after.

Prepare before hail season

• Review your auto and homeowners policies, including deductibles
• Park in a garage or covered spot when hail is forecast
• Keep a home inventory with photos
• Know your contractor and insurer contact information

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help you compare auto and home warranty plans from third-party providers and explain what each one covers, and what it doesn't, before you buy. If you'd like to see your options, get a free quote.