What should I check first for auto insurance?

Start with the declarations page and the specific change or risk that made you look up the topic. Coverage conversations get clearer when the question is tied to a real property, vehicle, operation, contract, claim, or renewal decision.

Does this article mean I need a different policy?

Not necessarily. It means the issue is worth checking before you assume the current policy handles it the way you expect. Sometimes the answer is an endorsement, documentation, a different limit, a separate policy, or no change at all.

When should I ask an agent to review this?

Ask before a deadline, renewal, contract requirement, major purchase, property change, business change, or claim decision. A short review is usually easier than trying to fix a coverage assumption after the fact.

Stay Safe on the Road During a Hailstorm

Updated 2026-02-09 | John Bosman | 369 words

The instinct when hail starts pelting your windshield is to speed up and get somewhere covered — but that's exactly the wrong move. Hail is more common and more damaging than most drivers realize: NOAA's Storm Prediction Center recorded 5,432 hail events across the U.S. in 2025, and State Farm alone paid out over $3.5 billion in hail claims in a single recent year. One of the most dangerous places to be during a hailstorm is inside a moving vehicle — poor visibility, shattered glass, and large hailstones can turn a routine drive into a real hazard fast.

Short answer

Stay Safe on the Road During a Hailstorm is best understood as a decision guide: use it to identify the main coverage issue, the likely blind spot, and the next question to ask before you rely on a policy, quote, or renewal assumption.

Reader checkpoint

Do you know whether your current auto policy includes comprehensive coverage — or only liability and collision?
If a hailstorm hit today, do you know your deductible and roughly what repairs would cost out of pocket?
Have you stored your insurer's claims number somewhere accessible — not just in an app that requires a working phone screen?

Quick answer

Decisions about auto insurance depend on the specifics of your situation, not general rules. The practical takeaway is to use this article as a starting point for a clearer coverage conversation.

At a glance

Main issue	auto insurance decision clarity
Common blind spot	Life changes, property changes, or claim details that are easy to overlook
Useful document	Declarations page, renewal notice, claim notes, household or vehicle changes, and receipts
Best next step	Home + Auto Life Change Review

Defined Q&A

Stay Safe on the Road During a Hailstorm: common questions

Does car insurance cover hail damage?

Yes — if you carry comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive pays for damage caused by events outside your control, including hail, falling objects, and weather events. Collision coverage does not apply to hail. If you're unsure which coverages you have, check your declarations page or call your agent.

Should I pull over during a hailstorm?

Yes, if you can do so safely. Pulling over — ideally under a covered structure — protects both you and your vehicle. Avoid stopping under trees, which can drop branches. If no shelter is available, pull to the shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and wait for the storm to pass.

What if I can't find shelter during a hailstorm?

If no covered structure is available, pull off the road safely, angle the vehicle so hail hits the front (windshields are reinforced), and stay low in the vehicle away from windows. An emergency blanket can provide some protection from glass if a window breaks.

How do I file a hail damage claim?

Document the damage with photos immediately after the storm. Note the date, time, and location. Contact your insurance company to report the claim — most insurers have 24/7 claims lines. An adjuster will assess the damage, and repairs are typically handled through your insurer's approved network or a shop of your choice.

Comprehensive coverage is the piece most drivers overlook until they need it. If you're not sure what your policy includes — or whether your deductible makes a claim worth filing — a quick coverage review can answer both questions before hail season peaks.

Essential Hailstorm Driving Safety Tips

At Reasons Insurance, we want to help keep you, your loved ones, and your vehicle safe this hail season. Follow these important tips to protect yourself if you encounter a hailstorm while driving:

Keep an emergency blanket in your vehicle. In case hail breaks your windows or windshield, a blanket can shield you from flying glass and debris.

Turn on your low-beam headlights and reduce your speed to maintain control of your vehicle.

Increase your following distance. Leave extra space between you and the car ahead to allow for sudden braking or maneuvering.

Tune in to local weather alerts. Listen to NOAA weather radio or check a weather app to stay updated on storm developments.

Pull over if it's safe. If a wide shoulder or safe location is available, pull over until the storm passes.

Activate your hazard lights. Whether driving slowly or stopping, hazard lights make you more visible to other drivers.

Seek covered shelter. If an overpass, parking garage, or other covered structure is available, pull under it to minimize vehicle damage.

Protect Your Vehicle from Hail Damage

While safety comes first, protecting your car from hail damage can prevent costly repairs. Comprehensive auto insurance covers hail damage — see what collision and comprehensive coverage actually includes if you're not sure which one you have.

If your vehicle sustains hail damage, document it thoroughly with photos before filing a claim. Note the date, location, and severity of the storm, and contact your insurer promptly.

What to do next

Use the related tool or ask for a review before you make coverage changes.

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