Calgary Hail Insurance Guide: Home and Car Coverage Explained

Calgary sits in one of Canada's most hail-prone regions, and one storm can damage your car and your roof in minutes. This Calgary hail insurance guide explains what's covered. Hail on your car falls under comprehensive coverage. Hail on your home is handled by your home policy, subject to deductibles and roof terms.

Below, you'll find how each policy responds, what to do after a storm and how to reduce future damage.

How costly is hail in Calgary?

Very. The hailstorm of August 5, 2024 caused about $3.29 billion in insured damage and more than 130,000 claims, according to CatIQ estimates reported by Insurance Business. That made it the second-costliest disaster in Canadian history. Another Calgary hailstorm in July 2025 caused about $160 million in insured damage, according to IBC and CatIQ figures. Across Canada, the Insurance Bureau of Canada reported more than $2.4 billion in insured severe-weather losses in 2025.

Those losses feed into premiums. The Applied Rating Index reported that Alberta home insurance premiums rose 11.9% year over year in the second quarter of 2026. Alberta auto premiums rose 22.6% over the same period.

Hail season in Calgary typically runs through the summer months. Reviewing your Calgary hail insurance in spring gives you time to make changes before the riskiest weeks.

Does car insurance cover hail damage?

Only if you have the right optional coverage. Hail is not a collision, so it falls under comprehensive coverage. Some insurers also offer specified perils coverage, which lists named risks and usually includes hail. Check your wording.

A few points to know:

• Your deductible applies to each claim. A $500 deductible means you pay the first $500.
• Comprehensive claims aren't at-fault collisions. Insurers may still consider them when setting your premium.
• Repairs vary. Many dents can be fixed with paintless dent repair. Heavy damage may lead to replacement panels, or a total loss if repairs cost more than the car is worth.
• Glass counts. Cracked windshields and windows from hail are usually comprehensive claims.

If your car is financed or leased, your lender will usually require comprehensive coverage. If you dropped it to save money, consider whether that still makes sense in a hail-prone city.

How do home insurance hail claims work?

Most home policies cover sudden hail damage to your roof, siding, windows, eavestroughs and other parts of your house. They also usually cover resulting water damage if rain gets in through a hail-damaged roof or window.

The details matter, and they vary by insurer:

• Deductibles. Some insurers use a separate, higher deductible for wind and hail claims, especially in high-risk areas. Find out which deductible would apply to your roof.
• How hail is covered. Some Alberta home policies treat hail as a separate or optional coverage. Confirm that hail is included on your policy.
• Roof age and settlement. Some policies settle older roofs at actual cash value, which subtracts depreciation, rather than full replacement cost.
• Cosmetic damage. Some policies limit coverage for dents that don't affect how a roof or siding works, especially on metal.
• Water from outside. Flooding from heavy rain that enters at ground level is a different peril. It usually needs an overland water endorsement. See our guide on whether home insurance covers water damage.

If you own a condo, the condo corporation's policy usually covers the building exterior. You may still face a deductible assessment. Our guide to condo deductible assessments explains how that works. Renters need tenant insurance for their belongings, since the landlord's policy covers the building, not your things.

What should you do after a hailstorm?

1. Stay safe. Don't climb onto a damaged or wet roof.
2. Document everything. Take dated photos and videos of your car, roof, siding and windows. Photograph the hail itself if you can.
3. Prevent further damage. Cover broken windows and arrange a tarp for roof openings. Keep receipts, because reasonable emergency costs are often covered.
4. Report the claim promptly. Call your insurer or broker, or use their app.
5. Wait for the adjuster before permanent repairs, unless your insurer tells you otherwise.
6. Be careful with door-to-door contractors. Get written estimates, check reviews and don't pay in full up front. In Alberta, businesses that take payment before finishing the work generally need a prepaid contracting licence, so ask to see it.
7. Keep a claim file. Save emails, estimates, invoices and the names of everyone you speak with.

Tip: Take photos of your roof, siding and car before hail season. "Before" pictures make it easier to show what a storm damaged.

How can you reduce hail damage and premiums?

You can't stop hail, but you can limit the damage and the cost.

• Choose impact-resistant roofing when you replace your roof. Look for shingles rated Class 4 under UL 2218. Some insurers offer discounts or better terms for them, so ask before you buy.
• Park under cover. Use a garage or carport when you can, or keep a padded hail cover in the car.
• Watch the forecast. Environment and Climate Change Canada issues severe thunderstorm warnings on weather.gc.ca. Move your car when hail is possible.
• Review your deductibles. A higher deductible lowers your premium, but only choose one you can afford after a storm.
• Bundle your policies. Many insurers discount home and auto coverage bought together.
• Compare quotes. Insurers price hail risk differently, so shopping at renewal can help.

For auto rules beyond hail, see our Alberta car insurance guide.

Next steps

Hail is a fact of life in Calgary, so it pays to sort out your Calgary hail insurance before the next storm. Get an instant estimate for home insurance or car insurance. Then talk to a licensed advisor who can explain your hail deductible, roof terms and comprehensive coverage.

You can also read more about home insurance in Alberta and car insurance in Alberta.

This guide is general information. Your policy wording and a licensed advisor's advice apply to your own situation.