Hail Damage and Car Insurance In Canada: What's Covered?

Co-Authored by Michelle Bragg, VP Personal Lines, RIBO Licensed Broker, BIG | Last Reviewed: June 2026

Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Canada?

Yes, hail damage to your car is typically covered if you have comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from weather-related damage, including hailstorms, falling ice, and other environmental hazards. Without comprehensive coverage, you'll pay out-of-pocket for hail damage repairs, which can range from minor dents to significant body and glass damage requiring thousands of dollars in repairs.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional insurance advice. Coverage terms, exclusions, and deductibles vary by insurer and policy. Consult a licensed insurance broker for advice specific to your situation and coverage needs.

What Is Comprehensive Coverage and How Does It Protect You from Hail Damage?

Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage on your auto policy that protects your vehicle from non-collision damage. While collision coverage handles accidents involving other vehicles or objects, comprehensive covers environmental and weather-related risks.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada's (IBC) Severe Weather Centre, severe weather events across Canada are increasing in frequency and cost, with hailstorms ranking among the top causes of vehicle damage claims during spring and summer months. In 2024, the IBC reported that hail-related claims in Alberta alone exceeded $1.2 billion, with thousands of vehicles damaged in single storm events.

Comprehensive coverage typically protects your vehicle from:

• Hail damage (dents, broken glass, damaged paint)
• Windshield and window breakage from hail
• Falling ice or debris
• Vandalism and theft
• Fire and flood damage
• Collisions with animals

When you purchase car insurance in Canada, comprehensive coverage is optional but strongly recommended, especially if you live in regions prone to severe weather. A BIG broker can help you determine whether comprehensive coverage makes sense for your vehicle and budget.

What Hail Damage Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover?

Comprehensive insurance covers exterior damage caused by hailstorms, including:

Body and Paint Damage:

Hail can leave dents ranging from minor dimples to deep craters depending on the size of the hailstones and the storm's intensity. Comprehensive coverage pays for paintless dent repair or full body panel replacement when necessary.

Glass Damage:

Windshields, side windows, sunroofs, and rear glass damaged by hail are covered under comprehensive insurance. Many insurers in Ontario offer glass repair or replacement with reduced or waived deductibles for windshield claims.

Trim and Exterior Components:

Hail can damage side mirrors, headlights, taillights, roof racks, and other exterior components. Comprehensive coverage includes repair or replacement of these parts.

Total Loss Coverage:

In severe hailstorms, your vehicle may be declared a total loss if repair costs exceed a certain percentage of its actual cash value. Your insurer will pay out the vehicle's pre-damage market value, minus your deductible.

What Hail Damage Is NOT Covered by Comprehensive Insurance?

While comprehensive coverage is broad, there are important exclusions to understand:

Interior Damage Without Exterior Penetration:

If hail doesn't break glass or dent the roof enough to cause interior water damage, any pre-existing interior issues won't be covered. However, if hail breaks your windshield or sunroof and water damages your upholstery or electronics, that interior damage is typically covered.

Pre-Existing Damage:

Dents, scratches, or paint damage that existed before the hailstorm won't be covered. Insurers may inspect your vehicle or request photos to distinguish new hail damage from prior wear and tear.

Mechanical or Engine Damage Unrelated to Hail:

Comprehensive insurance covers weather-related damage, not mechanical breakdowns or engine issues that coincidentally occur around the same time as a storm.

Damage While Driving (Collision Coverage Required):

If you're driving during a hailstorm and crash into another vehicle or object while trying to seek shelter, that damage falls under collision coverage, not comprehensive.

Understanding what car insurance covers in Canada can help you navigate the differences between comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage.

How to File a Hail Damage Claim on Your Car Insurance

If your vehicle is damaged in a hailstorm, follow these steps to file a claim efficiently:

1. Document the Damage Immediately

Take clear, well-lit photos of all hail damage from multiple angles. Include close-ups of individual dents, cracked glass, and damaged components. Photograph your vehicle's VIN, licence plate, and the surrounding area to establish the date and location of the storm.

2. Contact Your Insurance Broker or Insurer

Report the damage to your broker or insurer as soon as possible. A BIG broker can guide you through the claims process and explain your coverage and deductible. Provide your policy number, photos, and details about when and where the hailstorm occurred.

3. Get a Damage Assessment

Your insurer will either send an adjuster to inspect your vehicle or direct you to an approved repair shop for an estimate. Many insurers use digital claims platforms where you can upload photos and receive preliminary assessments within 24 to 48 hours.

4. Choose a Repair Shop

Some insurers have preferred repair networks that guarantee workmanship and streamline the claims process. You're typically not required to use a preferred shop, but doing so may offer benefits like direct billing and faster service. 

5. Pay Your Deductible

You'll pay your comprehensive deductible before repairs begin. Deductibles in Ontario typically range from $500 to $1,000. The shop will bill your insurer for the remaining repair costs.

6. Review the Repairs

Inspect the completed work before signing off. Ensure all dents are repaired, glass is properly sealed, and paint matches your vehicle's original finish.

For a detailed guide on the claims process, read our article on making an insurance claim.

Should You File a Claim for Minor Hail Damage?

Not all hail damage warrants an insurance claim. Before filing, consider these factors:

Repair Cost vs. Deductible:

If the estimated repair cost is less than or only slightly more than your deductible, paying out-of-pocket may be more cost-effective. For example, if repairs cost $600 and your deductible is $500, you'll only save $100 by filing a claim—but that claim could impact your future premiums.

Impact on Insurance Rates:

Comprehensive claims are generally considered "not-at-fault" and have less impact on your premiums than collision or liability claims. However, multiple claims within a short period can signal risk to insurers and may affect your rates at renewal. A BIG broker can review your claims history and help you decide whether to file.

Severity and Safety Concerns:

If hail damages your windshield, headlights, or mirrors, compromising your visibility or safety, you should file a claim and complete repairs immediately. Driving with impaired visibility can lead to accidents and further liability.

Vehicle Value and Resale Impact:

Unrepaired hail damage can significantly reduce your vehicle's resale value. According to industry estimates, moderate hail damage can lower a vehicle's market value by 10% to 30%. If you plan to sell or trade in your vehicle, professional repairs may preserve more value than the cost of your deductible.

How Much Does Hail Damage Lower Your Car's Value?

Hail damage can have a lasting impact on your vehicle's worth, even after repairs:

Minor Damage (Small Dents, No Glass Breakage):

Minor hail damage that's professionally repaired typically has minimal long-term impact on resale value. Paintless dent repair (PDR) can restore the vehicle's appearance without affecting its history report.

Moderate to Severe Damage:

Extensive dent repair, paint work, or glass replacement may appear on vehicle history reports, reducing resale value by 10% to 25%. Buyers often negotiate lower prices when they see weather damage in a vehicle's history.

Total Loss or Salvage Title:

If your vehicle is declared a total loss due to hail damage, it may receive a salvage or branded title, reducing its value by 50% or more. Even after repairs, salvage-titled vehicles are harder to insure and sell.

Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage Without Comprehensive Coverage?

No. If you don't have comprehensive coverage, your auto policy will not cover hail damage. Liability insurance, which is mandatory in Canada, only covers damage you cause to others. Collision insurance covers damage from accidents with other vehicles or objects, but not weather-related events.

If you drive an older vehicle and choose to drop comprehensive coverage to save money, you'll pay out-of-pocket for any hail damage repairs. Many Ontario drivers mistakenly believe that "full coverage" includes all damage types, but only comprehensive specifically covers environmental risks like hail.

Preventing Hail Damage: Does Using a Car Cover Reduce Your Insurance Premium?

While using a car port or parking in a garage during storms is a smart preventive measure, it typically does not earn you a specific insurance discount in Canada. However, some insurers offer discounts for:

• Parking in a secure garage overnight (reduces theft and weather exposure)
• Bundling home and auto insurance (which may indirectly lower costs)
• Telematics or usage-based programs that reward safe driving habits

Learn more about available discounts in our guide on how to save on car insurance.

Practical prevention tips include:

• Park indoors or under covered structures during severe weather warnings
• Use a padded car cover designed for hail protection
• Monitor weather forecasts during peak hail season (May through September)
• Seek covered parking immediately if you're caught in a storm

For more seasonal safety advice, check out our spring driving tips.

Understanding Your Comprehensive Insurance Deductible

Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage applies. According to FSRA consumer guidance on property and other insurance, understanding your deductible structure is essential for making informed claims decisions.

How Deductibles Work for Hail Damage:

• If your repairs cost $2,500 and your deductible is $500, your insurer pays $2,000
• If repairs cost $400 and your deductible is $500, filing a claim provides no financial benefit
• Some insurers offer glass-specific deductibles as low as $0 to $100 for windshield repairs

Choosing Your Deductible:

• Higher deductibles ($750 to $1,000) lower your premium but increase out-of-pocket costs when you claim
• Lower deductibles ($300 to $500) cost more monthly but reduce financial strain during claims

A BIG broker can help you select a deductible that balances affordability with adequate protection. Learn more about deductibles in our article on what is a deductible.

Hail Damage and Insurance in Ontario: Regional Considerations

While hail can occur anywhere in Canada, certain regions experience more frequent and severe hailstorms:

Southern Alberta:

The Calgary and Red Deer regions see some of Canada's most destructive hailstorms, with storms causing hundreds of millions in vehicle damage annually. Comprehensive coverage is nearly universal in these areas.

Southern Ontario:

The Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, and southwestern Ontario experience periodic severe thunderstorms with large hail. According to Environment Canada data, hailstorms in Ontario have increased in intensity over the past decade.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba:

Prairie provinces regularly see severe weather during summer months, making comprehensive coverage a practical necessity for most drivers.

Regardless of where you live, climate patterns are shifting, and severe weather events are becoming less predictable. A BIG broker can explain regional risk factors and recommend appropriate coverage. For related weather risks, read about how to prepare for wildfires in Canada.

What to Do If Your Car Is Totaled by Hail Damage

If repair costs exceed 70% to 90% of your vehicle's actual cash value (ACV), your insurer may declare it a total loss. Here's what happens:

1. Your insurer determines your vehicle's ACV based on age, mileage, condition, and market value before the hailstorm
2. You receive a settlement equal to the ACV minus your deductible
3. The insurer takes possession of the damaged vehicle
4. You use the settlement to purchase a replacement vehicle

If you still owe money on a car loan or lease, the settlement may not cover your outstanding balance. Gap insurance or loan/lease payoff coverage can protect you from this shortfall. A BIG broker can explain these optional coverages when you get a car insurance quote.

For more on total loss scenarios, read our article on what a write off is.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hail Damage and Car Insurance in Canada

Does car insurance cover hail damage if I don't have comprehensive coverage?

No. Hail damage is only covered if you have comprehensive insurance on your policy. Liability and collision coverage do not protect against weather-related damage. Without comprehensive coverage, you'll pay for all hail damage repairs yourself.

Will filing a hail damage claim raise my insurance rates?

Comprehensive claims typically have less impact on your rates than at-fault collision claims. However, multiple comprehensive claims within a short period may affect your premiums at renewal. A BIG broker can review your claims history and advise on the best approach.

How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Ontario?

Most insurers require claims to be filed "promptly" or within a "reasonable time" after discovering damage. While specific timelines vary by insurer, it's best to report hail damage within days of the storm. Delaying could complicate your claim or result in denial.

Can I choose my own repair shop for hail damage?

Yes. You have the right to choose your repair shop in Ontario. However, using an insurer-approved shop may offer benefits like guaranteed workmanship, direct billing, and faster claim processing. Your broker can explain your options.

Does hail damage show up on a vehicle history report?

If you file an insurance claim for hail damage, it may appear on your vehicle's claims history. Severe damage or total loss declarations will show on reports like CarFax. Minor repairs paid out-of-pocket typically won't be reported.

Is paintless dent repair covered by comprehensive insurance?

Yes. Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a common and cost-effective method for fixing hail damage. If your insurer and repair shop agree PDR is appropriate, it will be covered under your comprehensive insurance minus your deductible.

Talk to a BIG Broker About Your Comprehensive Coverage

Hail damage can happen in minutes, but understanding your coverage shouldn't take hours of research. Whether you're reviewing your current policy, filing a claim, or shopping for comprehensive coverage, a BIG broker is here to help.

Get in touch today to:

• Confirm whether your policy includes comprehensive coverage
• Review your deductible and coverage limits
• Discuss claims strategies for existing hail damage
• Get a personalized quote that fits your needs and budget

Get a car insurance quote or visit our car insurance page to learn more about protecting your vehicle from weather-related risks.

Your car faces enough risks on the road, make sure it's protected from what falls from the sky, too.