Under which insurance coverage does hail damage fall?
Coverage by coverage
- Coverage A, Dwelling: roof, gutters attached to the house, siding, windows, skylights, attached decks and the air conditioner condenser on many policies.
- Coverage B, Other structures: fences, sheds, detached garages, gazebos and pergolas.
- Coverage C, Personal property: patio furniture, grills, and belongings inside damaged by rain through hail-broken windows or skylights.
- Coverage D, Loss of use: extra living costs if hail damage makes the home unlivable, which is rare but possible after severe storms.
One storm's damage across A, B and C is one claim with one deductible.
Cars and other vehicles
Hail damage to cars, trucks and boats is handled under auto or boat comprehensive coverage with its own deductible. Report it separately to that insurer.
Condos and townhomes
If you live in a condo or a townhome community with a master policy, the association's policy usually covers the roof and exterior. Your own condo policy covers your unit's interior and belongings, and may include loss assessment coverage if the association passes part of a large deductible on to owners. Read your governing documents.
Renters
The landlord's policy covers the building and roof. A renters policy covers your belongings.
Where the deductible comes from
Most homeowners policies apply a wind and hail deductible to hail losses, often a percentage of the Coverage A limit, even when the damage is to a fence or patio furniture.
More: what homeowners insurance pays on a roof and wind and hail deductibles.