Hail Tops the List of Weather-Related Vehicle Damage in Canada, According to CARFAX
New CARFAX data indicates that hail is the leading cause of weather-related damage to vehicles across Canada. The findings highlight how Canadian drivers face growing exposure to severe storm events, with potential implications for insurance claims and vehicle history reporting.
What happened
CARFAX, the well-known vehicle history reporting service, has identified hail as the leading driver of weather-related damage to vehicles in Canada. The data points to severe summer storms as a recurring and significant source of claims for Canadian motorists, reinforcing concerns about the increasing frequency of damaging convective weather events in several regions of the country.
What it means for consumers
For vehicle owners, the report underscores the real risk that a single hailstorm can leave behind dents, cracked windshields, and broken mirrors — damage that may not always be obvious at first glance. Buyers shopping in the used-car market should pay closer attention to vehicle history reports, since hail damage, even when repaired, can affect a vehicle's long-term value, safety performance, and insurability. Owners in storm-prone regions may also want to consider protective measures such as covered parking or designated shelters during severe weather warnings.
What it means for premiums
No direct premium change has been announced.
Coverage considerations
Comprehensive auto insurance typically covers hail damage in Canada, but policyholders should review their deductibles and confirm that their coverage limits reflect the current market value of their vehicle. Drivers whose cars have been written off after a hailstorm may face complications with future coverage, as insurers sometimes flag vehicles with prior weather-related claims. It is also worth checking whether optional endorsements, such as glass coverage or new-for-old replacement, could reduce out-of-pocket costs in the event of future storms.