Hail Damage to Your Car in Lubbock: What Insurance Covers and What to Do
Updated November 5, 2026. Written by Jackson Bailey, licensed Texas insurance agent in Lubbock (TX License No. 3134953).
Short answer: Hail damage to your car is covered only if you carry comprehensive coverage, and you pay your comprehensive deductible first. Liability-only and collision coverage don't pay for hail. Texas leads the nation in hail claims, so on the South Plains, comprehensive is worth a close look.
Which coverage pays for hail?
Comprehensive: yes. It covers hail, along with falling objects, fire, theft and flooding.
Collision: no. It covers crashes with another car or object.
Liability: no. The Texas minimum 30/60/25 coverage pays for damage you cause to others, not your own car.
If your car is financed or leased, your lender almost always requires comprehensive. More on the state minimum in our guide to Texas auto insurance minimums.
What to do after a hailstorm
Move the car under cover if more storms are coming.
Photograph every panel and window, with the date.
Cover broken windows to keep rain out and save the receipts. The Texas Department of Insurance notes your policy may pay for temporary repairs.
File the claim as soon as you can.
Get a repair estimate and be available for the adjuster's inspection.
Repairs, deductibles and total losses
Many hail dents can be fixed with paintless dent repair when the paint isn't cracked. Your deductible applies to each claim, so if your deductible is $1,000 and the damage is $800, a claim won't pay anything. If repairs approach the car's value, the insurer may declare it a total loss and pay its actual cash value minus your deductible.
Avoid pop-up repair scams
After big storms, temporary repair tents and door-to-door offers show up around town. The TDI hail and windstorm tips suggest:
Get several estimates to spot prices that are too high or too good to be true.
Check references and look up complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
Don't pay the full amount up front.
Never sign a contract with blank spaces.
Be wary of anyone who offers to cover or waive your deductible.
Will a hail claim raise my rates?
Weather claims under comprehensive are often treated differently from at-fault accidents, but how a claim affects your premium depends on the insurer. Ask your agent before filing a small claim. See our auto insurance page to review your coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Is hail damage covered by full coverage car insurance?
"Full coverage" usually means liability plus collision and comprehensive. Comprehensive is the part that pays for hail.
Should I file a claim for minor hail damage on my car?
If the repair estimate is close to or below your deductible, probably not. Get an estimate first, then decide.
Can I keep the hail check and not fix my car?
If you own the car outright, often yes, but unrepaired damage may not be covered again in a future claim and lowers resale value. If the car is financed, your lender may require the repair.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Coverage, availability and pricing vary by policy, insurer and your situation.
Comments