Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Missouri?

Summary: Hailstorms are serious business in Missouri, with hundreds of storms hitting each year. Home and auto insurance usually cover hail damage, but small cosmetic issues might not qualify. Filing claims can raise premiums, so assessing damage carefully is smart. Upgrading to impact-resistant materials and reviewing your policy regularly can help protect your home, car, and wallet. Estimated Read Time: 10 mins

Table of Contents:

1. Does Home Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Missouri?
2. Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Missouri?
3. Does a Hail Claim Increase My Premium in MO?
4. Should I Claim Hail Damage on My Car in Missouri?
5. How Missouri Drivers Can Protect Their Cars From Hail Damage
6. Protecting Homes in Missouri From Wind and Hail Damage
7. Facts About Hail Damage and Insurance in Missouri

In Missouri, hailstorms can hit fast. One minute you’re grilling in the backyard, the next you’re diving for cover as hail the size of golf balls rains down. Hail damage is serious business, and while insurance can help, it’s not always a sure thing.

Homeowners insurance usually covers hail damage to your roof and siding, and if you have comprehensive coverage on your car, it can help with cracked windshields and dents, too.

Missouri ranked third in the nation for hail events in 2024, with 437 storms reported, so it’s not a question of if it’ll happen, but when. However, with premiums creeping up, it’s smart to be strategic about filing a claim.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how hail insurance works, when it’s smart to file a claim, and practical tips to help protect your home, car, and peace of mind before the next round of storms rolls through.

Does Home Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Missouri?

When a hailstorm hits in Missouri, it can feel like Mother Nature’s pitching fastballs straight at your roof. It’s loud, it’s sudden, and it can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

The good news? Most Missouri homeowners insurance policies have your back when it comes to hail damage.

Your dwelling coverage, the part that protects the main structure of your home, usually covers damage caused by hail and windstorms.

So, there’s a good chance that your hail damage is covered by home insurance if your shingles, siding, or gutters take a beating.

Got a tool shed, detached garage, or even a fancy garden gazebo? Your other structures coverage typically protects those, too, if hail leaves its mark.

If you need to file a claim, it’s a pretty simple process. An insurance adjuster will come out, take a look at the hail damage, and if the repairs are approved, your coverage will kick in after you pay your deductible.

Still, it’s smart to think it through. If the damage is small, like a few cracked shingles after a pop-up storm in Jefferson City, and costs less than your deductible to fix, you might be better off paying out of pocket.

Wind and hail home insurance coverage is there when you need it, but filing smaller claims can sometimes lead to higher premiums down the road.

Furthermore, some insurance companies have special rules for hail-prone areas. If the damage is just cosmetic, like minor dents that don’t affect your home’s structure, they might not cover it.

So, before the next big storm rolls through, it’s a good idea to review your policy or check in with your agent to make sure you’re fully protected.

Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a go-to for Missouri homes because they’re tough and affordable, but even they can take a beating from hail.

After a storm, you might see hail damage on shingles that looks like dark spots, missing granules, or dents hiding in your roof.

Hail damage home insurance coverage is available if the storm damage messes with your roof’s ability to protect your house. But if it’s just a few dents that won’t cause leaks and are simply cosmetic, your claim might not get approved.

After the weather clears, give your roof a once-over. If something looks off, call your insurance agent and a local roofer you trust. Catching damage early can save you a lot of cash and stress down the road.

Pro Tip: Lightly tap your shingles with a quarter. If they feel squishy or crack, it’s time to bring in professional help.

Metal Roof

Metal roofs are a great choice in Missouri for durability and storm resistance, but hail can still leave a mark. Larger hailstones may dent or ding the surface, especially on softer metal types.

Home insurance typically covers hail damage to metal roofs, but it depends on the severity. Cosmetic damage, like small dents that don’t affect the roof’s function, may not be covered.

After a hailstorm, inspect your roof for visible damage. If you spot dents or other issues, contact your insurance agent and a roofing professional to assess the situation and prevent further problems.

Pro Tip: If you live in an area especially prone to hail damage, consider upgrading to a stronger metal roof or adding a protective coating to reduce future damage.

Vinyl Siding

Homeowners rely on vinyl siding as an affordable, easy-to-manage material that protects their homes.

If there’s hail damage on vinyl siding, your home insurance may cover the cost to restore the loss. However, if the damage is cosmetic only, you may have your claim denied.

Once the storm has passed, always check your home for damage and check whether or not your siding has suffered cracks or holes.

If the damage is significant, you’ll need to contact your insurance agent and a trusted contractor to avoid things from getting even worse.

Pro Tip: Installing impact-resistant vinyl siding adds extra protection for your home and helps keep repairs to a minimum after a hailstorm.

Windows

They let the light in while keeping you home secure, yet during a hailstorm, your windows can be a vulnerable spot prone to damage.

Frames can dent, seals may break, and of course, windows can crack or shatter during severe storms.

However, hail damage to windows is only covered if it’s affecting your structure’s ability to keep out wind and rain.

Pro Tip: Check your windows for cracks, breaks, or leaks after a storm and contact your insurance agent if you spot damage. Installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows can help prevent costly hail repairs.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Missouri?

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you’re usually covered for hail damage and can get help paying for repairs.

When hailstorms hit in Missouri, cars parked outside can take serious damage. Common examples include cracked windshields, broken mirrors, and dents, leaving drivers with expensive repairs.

But remember, the type of auto insurance in Missouri you have plays a major role in how you’re covered for storms.

Liability Coverage

You may need liability coverage to stay legal, but it won’t help you after a hailstorm. This type of auto insurance helps you restore losses to others after an accident, not your own vehicle, after facing a loss.

Comprehensive Coverage

From wildfires to car hail damage to flooding and much more, comprehensive coverage is there when you need it. Think of this type of policy as protection for the things that can damage your vehicle outside of an accident.

Full Coverage

The term full coverage will normally include a combination of liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance coverages.

Therefore, if you have a full coverage auto insurance policy, you’re likely protected. Just be sure to check your individual coverage as the terms of your policy may differ.

Does a Hail Claim Increase My Premium in Missouri?

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

How much? Well, it depends on your history and your insurance company’s rules, but it can be a pretty big hike with some carriers.

Here’s the thing: every claim you file makes you look a little riskier to insurers. Too many claims too fast, and not only could your rates go up, but you might even lose your coverage.

That’s why it’s smart to think it through first. If the damage is small and would cost less than your deductible to fix, you’re usually better off handling it yourself. It’ll save you money (and headaches) in the long run.

Note: You can protect against hail damage for less by bundling your home and auto insurance policy in Missouri.

Homeowners Insurance and Hail Claims

In Missouri, even one hail damage claim can bump up your home insurance premium. Insurance companies see claims as a sign you might file more later, and that makes you a bigger risk to them.

Weather claims like hail are sometimes viewed with more understanding, since you can’t exactly stop a storm. Still, too many in a hail-heavy area can make your rates climb.

Missouri’s had its fair share of rough weather. From the devastating Joplin tornado to recent storms across Jefferson City, big claims have kept premiums rising across the state.

In fact, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance found that wind and hail are the top reasons insurance costs keep going up.

It’s considered best practice to review your home insurance every year. Make sure you know what’s covered and compare carriers, especially if you’re buying a new home.

Car Insurance and Hail Claims

In Missouri, hailstorms can leave your car dinged up fast. But filing a claim isn’t always worth it—your premium could rise, especially if you’ve had other claims.

If repairs are close to your deductible, paying out of pocket might save you money long term. Always check your policy deadlines and talk to your agent if you’re unsure.

Should I Claim Hail Damage on My Car in Missouri?

In Missouri, if you’ve got comprehensive car insurance, hail damage is usually covered. If the damage is bad, like smashed windows or deep dents, it’s smart to file a claim. You’ll just pay your deductible, and insurance can cover the rest, even a total loss.

Before filing, take photos, check your deductible, and call your insurer fast. If repairs cost less than your deductible or the damage is minor, it’s often cheaper to pay out of pocket. Just watch out if your car already has older damage, as that can affect your payout.

If the hail hits hard enough to hurt your car’s value or safety, or if it might be totaled, filing a claim is your best move.

How Missouri Drivers Can Protect Their Cars From Hail Damage

Missouri weather can cause vehicle hail damage quickly, but with the right planning in place, you can help protect yourself from destructive storms.

Here are some quick tips to help protect your car from hail damage:

• Park in a garage or under a strong shelter whenever storms are in the forecast.
• If no covered parking is available, use thick blankets or a tarp to cover the windshield, hood, and roof.
• Invest in a hail-resistant car cover for extra protection year-round.
• Consider adding a carport if you don’t have a garage.
• If you’re caught driving in a hailstorm, slow down and try to pull under an overpass or into a covered area.
• Fold in your side mirrors to help reduce extra damage.

Even with precautions in place, it’s still a good idea to have a comprehensive auto insurance policy in place, just in case your vehicle suffers a major loss after a storm.

Protecting Homes in Missouri From Wind and Hail Damage

It feels like every year, hailstorms make headlines, leaving a path of destruction in their aftermath. Hail damage insurance claims are the most common among homeowners, especially throughout spring and summer.

• Protecting your home is a must, so here are a few tips homeowners can take in the Show Me State:
• Review your insurance policy so you know what’s covered.
• Check your roof, siding, and gutters regularly for signs of wear.
• Trim trees near your home to help prevent extra damage.
• Consider impact-resistant roofing and storm shutters for extra protection.

Remember, preparing early is the best form of defense. Don’t wait until a storm hits to get ready. Take the time out now to prepare and save on stress and repairs down the line.

Facts About Hail Damage and Insurance in Missouri

Getting prepared starts with knowing the risks. Here’s what every Missouri homeowner should know about hail:

• Filing a hail damage claim could raise your insurance premium by up to 40%, and the hike can stick around for two to five years.
• In some cases, your insurer could even drop your policy, pushing you into costly high-risk insurance.
• Depending on your company, you may have up to two years to file a claim, but waiting too long after you spot damage could still get your claim denied.
• Between 2012 and 2021, Missouri was hit by 87 hailstorms, damaging homes, farms, and businesses across the state.
• St. Louis County ranks as the 5th riskiest county in the U.S. for hail damage.
• Hailstorms racked up $17.5 million in property damage during that time, making Missouri the 21st most hail-affected state in the U.S.
• On average, hail damage costs Missouri residents about $28.43 per 100 people every year.
• St. Charles saw a huge hailstorm in 2016, causing over $4 million in property damage.
• Storms in 2023 and 2024 led to billions in damages statewide, showing just how costly these events can be.
• After a February 2024 hailstorm, State Farm alone handled almost 8,500 claims in Missouri.
• Missouri’s largest recorded hailstone fell in 2004 near Meadville—it was a massive 6 inches wide!

Both home and auto insurance can help cover hail losses, but it’s smart to pick a strong carrier and to know when filing a claim makes the most sense.

Sources:

Facts + Statistics: Hail, III. Accessed July 2025. https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-hail

Severe Weather Causes Continued Rise in Homeowners Insurance Premiums, DCI. Accessed July 2025. https://dci.mo.gov/node/361

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

Home hail damage: Which US counties are most at risk for costly bills this year?, Fox Weather. Accessed July 2025. https://www.foxweather.com/extreme-weather/home-hail-damage-counties-most-at-risk-2024