Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Tennessee?

Summary: Hail damage in Tennessee may not be as frequent as in other states, but it’s still a major concern. Most home and auto insurance policies cover it, though coverage depends on your policy details and deductible. Filing a claim could raise your premium, so timing matters. Our guide explains what’s covered, when to file, and how to protect your property before storms hit. Estimated Read Time: 10 mins

Table of Contents:

1. Does Home Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Tennessee?
2. Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Tennessee?
3. Will a Hail Claim Raise My Insurance Premium in Tennessee?
4. When Should You File a Hail Claim in Tennessee?
5. How Tennessee Drivers Can Protect Their Cars from Hail
6. How Tennessee Homeowners Can Prevent Hail and Wind Damage
7. Hail Damage and Insurance Facts for Tennessee Residents

Tennessee doesn’t have as severe a threat from hailstorms as some states do, but that doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods completely. Insurance will cover losses for your home and auto, regardless of the size. Still, it depends on the policy you’re enrolled with, and when you file also matters. Our guide will help you understand how hail damage is covered, when it’s best to file a claim, and how to protect yourself.

Does Home Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Tennessee?

When hail hits, it can feel like someone’s throwing baseballs at your house. It’s loud, sudden, and pretty stressful. But here’s the good news: most home insurance policies in Tennessee have you covered.

Your dwelling coverage usually pays for hail damage to your roof, siding, or gutters.

For those with a shed, a detached garage, or even a nice gazebo, other structures coverage protects those, too.

If you need to file a claim for hail damage covered by home insurance, it’s pretty simple.

An adjuster checks the damage, and if it’s approved, insurance helps pay after you cover your deductible.

With that being said, if fixing the damage costs less than your deductible, like a few cracked shingles after a storm in Pigeon Forge, it might be smarter (and cheaper) to handle it yourself. Filing lots of small claims can bump up your premium later.

Also, some insurers have special rules for hail-heavy areas. If the damage is just cosmetic, like little dents that don’t mess with your home’s safety, they might not pay for repairs.

Your best move? Before the next big storm, double-check your policy or talk to your agent. It’s better to know where you stand before Mother Nature winds up again.

Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a favorite around Tennessee because they’re tough and easy on the wallet. But hail damage to shingles can still be substantial for your home.

After a storm, look for dark spots, missing granules, or small dents on your roof.

Lightly tapping a shingle with a quarter can help you spot trouble—if it feels soft or cracks, it’s time to call a roofer you trust.

If the hail messes with your roof’s ability to keep water out, your home insurance should help. However, if it’s just a few harmless dings, your claim might not get approved.

Checking your roof early and getting help when you need it can save you a lot of money and stress down the line.

Metal Roof

Metal roofs are a solid choice for Tennessee homes because they’re tough and can handle storms well. Still, even metal can take a beating from big hail. Softer metals, like aluminum, might dent or ding when the hailstones get large.

Home insurance usually covers metal roof hail damage if it messes with your roof’s ability to protect your home. But again, if it’s just some small dents that don’t cause any real problems, your claim might not get approved.

After a storm, it’s smart to check your roof for any dents or signs of damage. If you spot something, call your insurance agent and a roofer you trust to check it out.

If you live where hail is common, you might want to upgrade to a tougher metal or add a protective coating to help your roof stand up better to future storms.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a popular pick for homeowners because it’s affordable and easy to take care of, even though it can crack or break following a storm.

If your home suffers hail damage on vinyl siding and it messes with the siding’s ability to protect your home, your insurance will likely cover it. If it’s just a few cosmetic dings, though, your claim might not get approved.

After a storm, give your home a good once-over. Look for cracks, holes, or anything that seems off. If you find real damage, call your insurance agent and a contractor you trust before things get worse.

If you live in a hail-prone area, consider upgrading to impact-resistant vinyl siding. It’s tougher and can save you money and headaches down the road—homeowners may even qualify for a discount on their coverage.

Windows

Hail damage to windows can be tricky. While windows serve a great way to transform a room and let the light in, how they’re covered during hailstorms depends on the type of loss they incur.

For example, if there are cosmetic issues, even dents, broken seals, or cracks, to be covered by your policy, it will need to affect your window’s ability to keep wind and rain out of your home.

Pro Tip: After a storm, inspect your windows for cracks, leaks, or broken glass. If you find any damage, reach out to your insurance agent right away. To help avoid costly repairs in the future, consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Tennessee?

Comprehensive auto insurance protects motorists from hail damage. This includes if your vehicle suffers a cracked windshield, window damage, dings, dents, etc.

However, without this type of coverage, you will unlikely find yourself with reimbursement options for repairs, even if you have other forms of car insurance in Tennessee. Here’s a breakdown of how it all works:

Liability Coverage

Despite liability coverage being required of drivers, since it doesn’t cover things like hail damage, if you don’t have additional coverages on your auto insurance policy, you won’t be covered.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance coverage is how car hail damage is covered. This type of protection focuses on restoring losses outside of accidents, like flooding, wildfires, and, yes, hailstorms.

Full Coverage

Because full coverage auto insurance typically consists of liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance coverages, you’ll likely be covered.

However, be warned: this is an umbrella term, and the protections of your policy may vary.

Always double-check your Tennessee car insurance policy to understand how you’re specifically covered.

Will a Hail Claim Raise My Insurance Premium in Tennessee?

Filing a hail damage claim, whether it’s for your house or your car, can sometimes make your insurance rates go up.

How much? It depends on your history and your insurance company, but with some, it can be a pretty big jump.

Insurance companies see every claim you file as a little extra risk. Stack up too many claims too quickly, and you might not just pay more, you could even lose your coverage.

That’s why we continue to emphasize how important it is to understand the amount of damage you’ve suffered, your deductible, and to consider the long-term costs before filing a hail damage claim with your insurer.

Note: Bundling your home and auto insurance policy in Tennessee is a great way to protect against hail damage on multiple fronts, all while saving money on premiums.

Homeowners Insurance and Hail Claims

In Tennessee, even a single hail damage claim can cause your home insurance premium to jump. Insurance companies tend to view any claim as a sign you might file more in the future, and that makes you a bigger risk in their eyes.

Weather-related claims, like hail damage, sometimes get a little more leeway since you can’t exactly stop a storm.

Still, living in a hail-prone area can drive your rates up over time. Tennessee sees its fair share of severe weather, from tornado outbreaks near Nashville to recent hailstorms hitting places like Knoxville and Franklin. Big claims from storms like these have helped push premiums higher statewide.

Wind and hail damage continue to be the top reasons for home insurance claims and are major contributors to why premiums continue to rise.

That’s why it’s smart to review your home insurance policy every year. Make sure you understand what’s covered, shop around for better rates if needed, and pay close attention if you’re buying a new home, especially in high-risk areas.

Car Insurance and Hail Claims

After a hailstorm in Tennessee, it’s smart to stop and think before filing a claim. If the damage is serious, like cracked glass, deep dents, or major bodywork, you’ll likely want to file. However, it’s important to be strategic about when you do so. Comprehensive coverage can allow for a successful claim, but you need to be sure that filing one is your best option.

When Should You File a Hail Claim in Tennessee?

After a big hailstorm in Tennessee, you might think about filing a claim for the dents on your car. But small claims can raise your insurance rates, especially if you’ve had other claims before.

If the repair costs are close to your deductible, it might be smarter to pay out of pocket and avoid a premium hike.

The amount you pay in the long run could outweigh the benefit of filing a claim, which is why it’s important to be strategic about when you file.

Always double-check your policy and talk to your agent before filing a claim to make sure you’re making the best choice.

If your vehicle suffers hail damage is has lost significant value because of it, is totaled, or is unsafe, you’ll likely need to file a claim.

How Tennessee Drivers Can Protect Their Cars from Hail

Tennessee weather can bring hailstorms quickly, but with some planning, you can protect your vehicle from damage. Here are a few tips:

• Park in a garage or under a solid shelter when storms are expected.
• If no covered parking is available, cover your windshield, hood, and roof with thick blankets or a tarp.
• Invest in a hail-resistant car cover for added protection.
• Consider adding a carport if you don’t have a garage.
• If caught in a hailstorm while driving, slow down and pull under an overpass or into a covered area.
• Fold in your side mirrors to minimize damage.

Even with these precautions, remember, it’s smart to have comprehensive auto insurance, just in case your car gets damaged during a storm.

How Tennessee Homeowners Can Prevent Hail and Wind Damage

Even though the Volunteer State has fewer hail damage insurance claims than many, it’s still a leading claim among homeowners.

Wind and hail damage to your home can cause devastating results, and while homeowners insurance is there as a safety net, there are still steps you can take to mitigate these risks altogether:

• Make sure your home is in good condition. Always check your roof, siding, and gutters a few times per year to find smaller signs of wear and tear and keep them from becoming larger issues later.
• Trees provide shade, but it’s important to keep them trimmed and neat to avoid the risk of damaging your home during a storm.
• Having impact-resistant roofing, storm-resistant windows, and storm shutters can provide an extra layer of protection for your home—you may even find insurance discounts as a result.
• Finally, don’t just settle for the coverage you have now. It’s best to review your home insurance policy at least once per year to ensure your home has enough coverage to rebuild after a major loss.

Keeping up with your home and preparing early can give you peace of mind and save on money and frustrations should hail damage affect your property in the future.

Hail Damage and Insurance Facts for Tennessee Residents

If you own a home in Tennessee, being ready for hailstorms is a must. Our state sees some tough storms every year, especially in the spring and summer. Cities like Nashville had almost 60 hail events just in 2023 alone.

When it comes to filing a hail damage claim, it’s important to know the risks. A hail damage claim could raise your insurance premium by up to 40%, and that higher rate can last for years.

In some cases, too many claims could even cause your insurer to drop you, meaning you’d have to buy expensive high-risk insurance.

Most insurance policies give you up to two years to file a hail claim. However, you don’t wait too long, as insurance companies can deny claims if damage isn’t reported quickly.

Major storms, like the ones in 2012 and 2016, caused millions in damages across Tennessee, hitting homes, cars, farms, and local businesses. That’s why tools like real-time hail maps and storm alerts are smart to use.

Furthermore, those living in Washington, Carter, Unicoi, Johnson, Greene, and Cocke counties, a notable focus within East Tennessee, have some of the worst risk of hail damage in the Volunteer State due to the region’s susceptibility to violent storms.

Having the right coverage in place—and knowing when it’s smart to file a claim—can make all the difference. If you have questions or want to review your insurance, our team is here to help!

Sources:

15 Hail Damage Statistics in Tennessee, Restore Masters. Accessed July 2025. https://www.restoremastersllc.com/hail-damage-statistics-in-tennessee/

TDOT Storm Damage Update, TDOT. Accessed July 2025. https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2024/10/1/tdot-storm-damage-update.html