Is Hail Damage Covered by Home Insurance?
Hail can create dents and cracks in your home’s siding or cause holes in roof shingles. It can damage roof vents and flashing, and even crack windows. Is hail damage covered by your home insurance?
Most standard home insurance policies in Canada cover hail damage to your home’s structure — including the roof, siding, and windows — as well as related water damage caused by openings created by hail.
If a hailstorm damages your home, your home insurance policy should help cover repair or replacement costs, as long as hail damage is listed as a covered peril.
What’s usually covered by hail damage
- Exterior damage: Damage to roofs (shingles, vents, flashing), siding, windows, and doors caused directly by hail impact.
- Other structures: Sheds, decks, fences, and detached garages may be covered, depending on your home insurance policy.
- Interior and contents damage: If hail creates an opening that allows water inside, damage to walls, floors, and personal belongings is usually covered.
- Additional living expenses: If your home is uninhabitable due to hail damage, your policy may help pay for temporary accommodation, meals, and other necessary costs (subject to limits).
- Wear and tear limits: Coverage may be reduced if your roof is old or poorly maintained.
- Cosmetic damage: Some insurers exclude dents or surface damage that doesn’t affect function.
- Vehicles: Hail damage to cars is not covered by home insurance — comprehensive auto insurance is required.
- Mobile homes: Coverage may be limited; confirm details with your provider.
- Landscaping: Plants, trees, and lawns are usually excluded.
What might not be covered by your home insurance
Exclusions and limitations
In hail-prone regions, some home insurance policies apply separate or higher deductibles — often ranging from 1% to 5% of dwelling coverage.
If your home is damaged by hail
Ensure your safety
Check for immediate hazards such as broken glass, downed power lines, or unstable structures before inspecting hail damage.
Document the damage
Take clear photos and videos of all visible hail damage and affected belongings. Record the date and time of the hailstorm.
Contact your insurance provider promptly
Notify your insurer or broker as soon as possible so they can guide you through the home insurance claims process.
Prevent further damage
Take reasonable steps such as covering broken windows or placing tarps on damaged roof sections. Keep receipts for temporary repairs, as these costs may be reimbursable.
Avoid permanent repairs before inspection
Do not complete permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has inspected the damage.
Obtain contractor estimates
For major repairs, get multiple quotes from reputable contractors. Your insurer may also recommend preferred vendors.
Do you know which Canadian city gets the most hail?
Calgary sits at the centre of “Hailstorm Alley,” which stretches from High River through Calgary and Red Deer to Lacombe, and west toward Rocky Mountain House. This region experiences Canada’s highest frequency of destructive hailstorms.
In British Columbia, the highest hail frequencies occur near the Columbia Mountains in southeastern B.C., primarily in mountainous and rural areas.
How to stay safe during a hailstorm
Seek shelter in a sturdy building and stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. Bring children and pets inside immediately.
If driving, pull over safely and angle yourself away from windows to reduce injury from shattered glass.
If caught outdoors without shelter, crouch down, face away from the wind, and protect your head and neck.
Other extreme weather typically covered by home insurance
Windstorms: Damage from strong winds, tornadoes, or hurricanes.
Lightning: Fires or electrical damage caused by lightning strikes.
Wildfires: Direct fire damage to structures and contents.
Ice storms: Damage from ice buildup, ice dams, and burst pipes, provided the damage is sudden and accidental.
Tornadoes: Yes — most standard home insurance policies cover tornado damage.
To sum it all up
Hailstorms can cause significant damage to homes across Canada. Understanding how your home insurance responds to hail damage helps you prepare and recover with confidence. Review your policy carefully and confirm your coverage before storm season, which typically runs from May to October.
5 FAQs
Does car insurance cover hail damage to vehicles?
Only comprehensive auto insurance covers hail damage to vehicles. Home insurance does not apply to vehicles.
What are common limitations on hail coverage?
Older roofs or poor maintenance may result in reduced payouts or denied coverage. Some insurers may apply depreciation rather than full replacement.
Does home insurance cover damaged plants and trees?
Most home insurance policies exclude coverage for landscaping damage caused by hail.
Are extra endorsements required in high-risk hail areas?
In high-risk regions, standard policies may limit hail coverage, requiring additional endorsements or separate coverage.
How do policy limits affect hail damage payouts?
Your policy limit is the maximum amount your insurer will pay. If repair costs exceed that limit, you are responsible for the difference.
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