2026 Guide · Texas
Hail damage to your car: what to do in Texas
After a hailstorm, many people start with the questions that matter most: does insurance cover it, what to expect from the claim, and where the repair happens. This guide is for drivers in Texas. HailMatch repairs hail at year-round facilities, not storm-chaser tents.
1. How do I know if there is hail damage?
Hail often leaves round dimples on the hood, roof, trunk, and panels. From the street you might not notice much, but hail dents show clearly in raking light. Check the windshield and other glass too, since glass damage is often included in the same comprehensive claim.
Even if damage seems minor, it can affect resale value and future claim outcomes if it is not properly documented. An in-person inspection maps each panel so the claim matches the actual impact.
2. What insurance coverage applies (comprehensive)?
In Texas, hail damage claims are typically handled under comprehensive coverage, often called other-than-collision. If your policy is liability-only, hail damage is usually not covered. If you are unsure, your specialist will help you confirm what applies.
A hailstorm claim is generally handled as one claim for the event, not multiple separate claims for the same damage. Texas regulators recommend documenting quickly with photos and video, then filing in a timely way.
3. Can I choose where my car is repaired?
Insurers often suggest shops. In Texas, you typically have the right to choose your repair provider. HailMatch is that provider: we handle the claim steps, photos, the repair, and the schedule.
If you have not filed yet, we can help you start the claim. If you are already in the process, we pick up at the step you are on. Updates live in HailMatch Tracker.
4. When is paintless dent repair (PDR) the right option?
For hail, paintless dent repair (PDR) is often the right method because it removes dents from behind the panel while preserving factory paint. The correct approach depends on severity, so HailMatch maps the damage in person and explains whether PDR is the best fit.
If paint must be corrected due to broken finishes or panel stretching, your specialist will explain what is needed before anything happens. Most vehicles are back on the road in about 5–10 business days once the claim is clear.
5. Deductible, rental, and what you might pay
Your deductible is the portion you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. Most customers pay nothing out of pocket. Your specialist will be transparent about what your policy covers before work starts.
If you have rental coverage, we can help coordinate it. If you need a bigger vehicle like an SUV or pickup, tell us early so the rental plan matches your needs.
6. What should you do today?
Take photos of each panel and any glass you notice. Do not wait for the “maybe it is fine” moment. Start from your phone and schedule the next step. HailMatch repairs the hail, works the claim, and coordinates pickup.
City pages: Austin, Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, Waco, Dallas. See recent storm activity or auto hail repair.
Frequently asked questions
Does hail damage on my car get covered in Texas?
In most cases, hail damage is covered under comprehensive (other-than-collision) coverage. The details vary by policy, but comprehensive hail claims are treated as a weather event. HailMatch helps you confirm what applies in Texas and guides you through the claim steps.
Will a hail claim raise my insurance premiums in Texas?
Many comprehensive hail claims do not increase premiums the way at-fault accidents can. Premium rules vary by carrier and policy, so your specialist will explain what your claim may change in your specific situation.
Can I choose my own repair provider?
Yes. In Texas, insurers can recommend shops, but they cannot require you to use a specific one. HailMatch is the hail repair provider: we handle documentation, the repair, scheduling, and updates.
What is paintless dent repair (PDR)?
Paintless dent repair (PDR) removes hail dents from behind the panel, helping preserve the factory paint. The right method depends on severity, so HailMatch maps the panels in person and explains whether PDR is the best fit.