Top 10 Hail Damage Car Insurance Claims Compared

Hail Damage and Your Vehicle

The ins and outs of hail damage car insurance can get rather complicated…

If you live in states like Colorado and Texas, you know that hailstorms happen quite frequently. Sometimes these storms aren’t so bad, other times they produce hail that can do serious damage to your property—especially your vehicle.

Dealing with the damage to your vehicle means entering an inconvenient world of finding a reputable repair shop and starting a back-and-forth with your insurance company. 

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If you have a comprehensive auto insurance plan, the hail damage to your vehicle should be fully covered. However, you still have to engage in necessary communication with your insurance company, making sure they are aware of the full extent of the damage.

A comprehensive plan is essential for non-collision accidents and damage to your vehicle. Anything that is an “act of nature” or out of your control is covered under a comprehensive plan: fire, flood, theft, falling objects, hitting an animal, vandalism, and hail.

Some insurance companies are easier to deal with than others. If you are in the market for a new comprehensive insurance plan for your new vehicle, it’s good to know how different insurance companies handle hail damage claims.

Let’s explore some of these insurance companies and how they deal with their customers:

State Farm Hail Damage Car Insurance

State Farm offers a comprehensive insurance plan that covers the full extent of damages done to your vehicle if the damage was out of your hands—such as hail damage. They also cover glass and windshield damage claims, which are sometimes casualties of hail damage.

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A nice aspect of the State Farm comprehensive plans is that their coverage extends beyond your own vehicle to include a temporary substitute vehicle. This is great if your vehicle is getting repaired in the shop and you need a rental to get around—State Farm will pay for it!

If you need to file a hail damage claim with State Farm, you can visit their claims page here

In addition to the convenience of filing a claim online, they also give you the option of filing over the phone. Their claims phone number is 1-800-SF-Claim (1-800-732-5246).

Then you are asked to provide the relevant information such as:

  • The date and time of the incident
  • Vehicles involved
  • Description of the incident
  • Description of damages
  • Location of the incident

State Farm outlines its claims process in a very simple way. The steps of the process are as follows:

  1. File your claim online, through their app, or over the phone—all at any time.
  2. State Farm will check out your claim and review the unique circumstances of it, then they will update you on their status.
  3. You can then use one of their listed repair shops, or you can choose your own repair shop to fix the damages. They also give the option of using their online, virtual estimator to get a rough figure of the cost of damages.
  4. They will then make the payments: paying the chosen repair shop, sending the money to your account via direct deposit, or they will send you a check in the mail.
  5. After everything is fixed and paid for, you and your car are ready to roll!

According to Insuranks.com, the average cost for a comprehensive State Farm auto insurance policy is roughly $1,250 per year for an individual. 

One of the cons of State Farm is that they do not offer gap insurance, which is optional coverage that helps pay off your auto loan if your vehicle is totaled or stolen.

Also, across a variety of review sites, State Farm auto insurance seems to get a good reputation, with most review scores coming out to be between 4 and 5 stars out of 5.

Pros

  • Plenty of discounts
  • Substantial rental and travel expense coverage
  • Offers comprehensive auto coverage

Cons

  • Do not offer gap insurance

Geico Hail Damage Car Insurance

Geico also offers comprehensive plans, which they recommend buying for newer vehicles since the coverage only amounts up to the cash value of the vehicle itself.

Also, in the event of having to put your vehicle in the repair shop, a Geico comprehensive plan will extend to your rental vehicle if you need one. This ensures that the cost of the rental is paid for, and if the rental suffers some damage, the cost of the damage is also covered.

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Geico’s claims process involves either filing a claim online or you are able to call: 1-800-841-3000. 

The online claims filing service is available here.

They boast round-the-clock service, so you can file a claim at any time in any way you please.

Usually, within 24 hours, Geico responds and asks if your vehicle is safe to drive to bring it into a Geico location. If you cannot drive your vehicle, they will then send an auto damage adjuster to the vehicle’s location as soon as possible.

Once your vehicle has been inspected for damages, you can find an auto repair shop of your choice, or you can pick a repair shop through Geico’s Auto Repair Xpress list. 

After the damage inspection is complete, Geico will deliver a check to you as soon as possible for the cost of repairs, minus whatever your deductible amount is. Then, after your vehicle is repaired and the cost has been covered, your car is good to go.

The average cost of full, comprehensive coverage through Geico is about $1,255 a year, and, according to Geico’s website, there is a steady customer satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for insurance through Geico.

Pros

  • Plenty of discounts
  • Intricate and extensive app and website service
  • Offers comprehensive auto coverage

Cons

  • Small local agent network
  • No gap insurance

Progressive Hail Damage Car Insurance

Progressive is another company that offers comprehensive coverage and has an easy claims process.

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You are able to file a claim online

You can also file over the phone: 1-800-776-4737. 

Progressive connects you with the right experts for your particular claim so all goes as smoothly as possible.

You are given the option, after the estimator inspects your vehicle, to either get your repairs completed or receive the payment. If you don’t want to be too hasty, you can always take your vehicle to a repair shop first and get an estimate from them before accepting the initial estimate payment.

If you do decide just to receive the payment, the claims process is complete.

If you choose to have repairs completed, you can either pick a repair shop through Progressive or choose your own.

Under a Progressive comprehensive plan, you’ll be able to rent a vehicle if you need to while your main vehicle is in the shop. The cost of the rental is covered under your plan.

The average cost per year for a full Progressive auto insurance plan is $1,489, and the average satisfaction rating for them is 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

  • Rideshare coverage available
  • Pet injury coverage available with collision coverage
  • Offers comprehensive auto coverage

Cons

  • Often more expensive than other insurance companies in most states
  • Less financially powerful than State Farm or Geico

Allstate Hail Damage Car Insurance

With Allstate, you are able to file a claim online, over the phone, or even on their app. They offer comprehensive coverage, so you know that if there is extensive hail damage it will be covered.

The claims process consists of either filing online here

Or calling them over the phone: 1-800-255-7828

Or you can download their app and set up your account to handle all of your claims.

Their claims process is much like the other companies covered so far. You first file the claim, then there is a damage investigation.

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After the investigation, you can either choose a repair company through Allstate or pick your own. Allstate says they are always willing to work with you and whatever repair shop you choose to get the damage fixed and the cost covered.

Either they will send you the reimbursement payment for the cost of the damages or they will work directly with the repair company. 

They do have a separate form of coverage called rental reimbursement coverage, which covers the cost of renting a vehicle if you need to put your own vehicle in the repair shop. 

The average cost for a full Allstate plan every year is $1,983, and they have a customer satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for overall performance.

Pros

  • Plenty of discounts
  • Coverage in all states
  • Offers comprehensive auto coverage

Cons

  • Premium increases after your first term

USAA Hail Damage Car Insurance

USAA is unique in that only military members and their families are able to purchase coverage, including a comprehensive auto plan.

The USAA website says the quickest way to file a claim is online through their Claims Center.

You can also give them a call if you’d rather file your claim over the phone: 1-800-531-USAA (8722).

USAA says you can file a claim whenever it is convenient for you. If you choose to file online, you are able to explain the situation, upload pictures of the damage, arrange an inspection, and you can secure a rental vehicle if you need to.

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If you have a full, comprehensive plan, the cost of the rental vehicle is covered by USAA.

After the initial claim filing, USAA will be in touch with you if they need additional information. You will then receive your preliminary estimate at your chosen repair shop and also online on your USAA Timeline. 

Once the repairs are completed, you will pay your deductible at your chosen repair shop, and USAA will take care of the rest.

The average cost of a full auto insurance plan at USAA rounds out to be $940 a year, and their customer satisfaction rating currently sits at 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

  • High auto insurance customer satisfaction
  • Has relatively fewer complaints than other companies
  • Offers comprehensive auto coverage

Cons

  • Only available for military members and their families

Liberty Mutual Hail Damage Car Insurance

Liberty Mutual also has a convenient online claims center, where you can file, track, and manage your claims. They also have a mobile app from which you can file and manage your claims as well.

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The online claims service is located here.

If you don’t feel comfortable filing online, you can always file over the phone: 1-800-290-8711.

On their website, Liberty Mutual explains their claims process which is basically equivalent to the processes mentioned above with other companies. The vehicle damage will be inspected at a repair shop by both the chosen repair company and the Liberty Mutual estimator.

The cost of the hail damage will be covered by a Liberty Mutual comprehensive plan.

Also, Liberty Mutual is partnered with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, so if your car is out of commission for a while, you are able to get around in a rental.

Liberty Mutual recommends using repair shops listed in their Guaranteed Repair Network. If you go with one of these choices, they say your repairs will be 100% guaranteed as long as you own the car. 

However, you can also choose your own repair shop. In either case, Liberty Mutual recommends that you let them pay the repair shop directly while leaving you just the deductible to pay out of pocket.

The average cost of full auto coverage from Liberty Mutual is unavailable, but their customer satisfaction rating sits at 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros

  • Plenty of discounts
  • Intricate and extensive website and app
  • Offers comprehensive auto coverage

Cons

  • Relatively more complaints than other companies
  • Satisfaction ratings are relatively lower than other companies

Farmers Hail Damage Car Insurance

With Farmers you are able to file a claim online, with your agent, or by calling Claim Services. After your filing, the claim is then processed by a claims representative who has a team of specialists supporting them.

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In order to file a claim online, you can visit the website here

If you would rather call, you can use this number: 1-800-435-7764

The claims process is, again, straightforward. After the initial filing, the claims representative will get in contact with you if need be, or if you need to contact them, they are available day or night. 

The claims representative will then evaluate the damage done to your vehicle, either at a repair shop or through the pictures given at the time of the filing. The representative will determine if your policy includes a comprehensive coverage plan, and they will either send you a check or pay your choice of a repair company to fix the damage.

The average cost for a Farmers high coverage plan is around $1,787 a year, and their customer satisfaction rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros

  • Varied auto coverage options
  • Plenty of discounts
  • Offers comprehensive auto coverage

Cons

  • Customer satisfaction is below average

Nationwide Hail Damage Car Insurance

If you’re filing a claim with Nationwide, you can do so online or by calling them. 

The way to file a claim online can be found here

Or you can call them here: 1-800-421-3535

When you file an auto claim, you’ll be assigned to a claims associate who will guide you through their process. They will also be able to answer any questions that you may have.

They will then schedule an inspection of the damages and help you with a rental car if you need one. If you have rental car expense coverage in your policy, Nationwide will be able to cover the rental cost.

The claims associate will also determine if you have comprehensive coverage in your policy. If you do, the hail damage cost will be taken care of.

Nationwide recommends using a repair shop listed in their On Your Side shops, which have been pre-screened by Nationwide. They work directly with these repair shops for streamlined service.

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Also, they say they can work with your choice of a repair shop, and they will more than likely be able to work directly with that shop even if it’s not in their pre-screened network. After the estimate has been finalized, Nationwide will send you your payment or reimbursement.

The average cost for high coverage from Nationwide winds up to be around $1,892 per year, and their customer satisfaction rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros

  • Auto insurance customer satisfaction is above average
  • Varied coverage options
  • Offers comprehensive auto coverage

Cons

  • Not many discounts

American Family Hail Damage Car Insurance

With American Family, they say their fastest way to file a claim is through their app. You can also file online through their website or by giving them a call. Claims professionals are available 24 hours a day to handle your claims as smoothly as possible.

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You can file a claim online through “My Account” here

And you can give them a call to file at this number: 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326). 

To file a claim, American Family asks that you have the information relevant to the damage or accident, such as the date and time, a brief description of the damage, and any photos that you’ve taken. If you use their app, you can upload your damage photos directly in the space provided for them.

After you’ve filed, an adjuster will arrange to inspect the damage. This can be done at a repair shop of your choice, and both the adjuster and repair technicians will work out how much the cost will be.

The cost of the hail damage to your car will be covered if you have an American Family comprehensive plan.

If you need a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, American Family can help you get one. Through your policy, if yours includes Rental Reimbursement Coverage, the cost of the rental will be included in your coverage.

The average cost of a higher coverage plan from American Family is $1,413 per year, and they retain a 4.5 out of 5 stars customer satisfaction rating.

Pros

  • Varied coverage types
  • Auto insurance customer satisfaction above average
  • Offers comprehensive auto coverage

Cons

  • Not available in every state

Travelers Hail Damage Car Insurance

Travelers, like the rest of the aforementioned companies, offer comprehensive coverage as well.

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Through Travelers, you are able to file a claim online or over the phone. They say it’s faster to file online, as you are able to upload relevant files and photos through their website.

If you need to file a claim online, you can do so here

If you would rather give them a call, you can reach them here: 1-800-252-4633

After you file, you will be contacted by a Travelers Claim Professional to walk you through the claims process. The Claim Professional will evaluate your claim and policy information, and they may meet with you to further inspect the damage or get more information.

If you need to get a rental vehicle during your vehicle’s repairs, Travelers will cover that cost if you have their Rental Coverage in your current policy.

After the damage is assessed and the estimate is finalized by the claims representative and your chosen repair shop, Travelers will send you the payment or reimbursement for the cost of damages. This will either be a check or electronic payment, such as through PayPal.

The average yearly cost for a high coverage auto policy through Travelers costs $1,335, and their customer satisfaction rating is currently at 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

  • Varied coverage options
  • One of the biggest insurance companies in the country
  • Offers comprehensive auto coverage

Cons

  • Customer satisfaction is a little below average

Finding the Right Insurance

As you can see, there are all kinds of different insurance companies. Filing a claim with each of them is different in its own ways.

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Whichever one you choose, you have to be sure you’re also getting the right coverage for your particular needs. If you live in Colorado, Texas, or other states around this part of the United States, it’s important to look into comprehensive coverage.

There are countless hailstorms during the year in these states.

If you do find your vehicle damaged after a hailstorm, StormWise is one of the leading hail-damage repair companies, and we can help you get back on track quickly with quality repairs. We have years and years of experience dealing with all of these insurance companies, and we ensure that the damage cost is fully covered by them while your vehicle is in our care. Click here to learn more about StormWise.

We hope you found this guide on hail damage car insurance practices helpful!

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