Denver's hail season runs from May through August, with the peak in June and July. Colorado consistently ranks first in the nation for hail damage insurance claims, and the Denver metro area absorbs a disproportionate share of that damage. Hailstones the size of golf balls -- and sometimes larger -- can shatter a windshield in seconds, pit the glass with dozens of impact points, or create cracks that spider across the entire surface. If you live in Denver long enough, you will deal with hail damage on your windshield.
Immediately After a Hailstorm
When a hailstorm hits, here is what to do in the first 24 hours:
- Document the damage. Take photos of your windshield and all other glass from multiple angles. Include close-ups of individual chips, cracks, and pitting. These photos support your insurance claim.
- Do not try to drive if the windshield is shattered or has major cracks. A severely damaged windshield is a structural safety risk. If you cannot see clearly through it, the vehicle should not be driven. Call for emergency windshield service.
- Cover the windshield if it is cracked but not shattered. A crack that has not yet spread can be temporarily stabilized with clear packing tape on the inside surface. This prevents moisture and debris from entering the crack and worsening it.
- Call your insurance company and your windshield provider. Hail damage is covered under comprehensive insurance, and Colorado's zero-deductible glass law may mean you pay nothing out of pocket.
- Book your replacement as fast as possible. Post-storm demand surges mean wait times can extend from days to weeks. Calling within the first 24 hours puts you ahead of thousands of other Denver drivers doing the same thing.
Hail Damage: Repair or Replace?
The answer depends on the severity of the damage:
| Damage Type | Repair? | Replace? |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 small chips (quarter-sized or smaller) | Yes -- repair is viable | Not necessary |
| Multiple chips (3+) | Usually not cost-effective | Recommended |
| Crack longer than 6 inches | No | Required |
| Pitting across the surface | No | Recommended for visibility |
| Shattered or spider-web cracking | No | Required immediately |
For more on the repair vs. replace decision, see our detailed guide: when to repair vs. replace your windshield.
Insurance Coverage for Hail Damage
Hail damage to your windshield falls under comprehensive coverage, not collision. Most Denver drivers carry comprehensive insurance, and Colorado law requires every auto insurer in the state to offer zero-deductible glass coverage as an option. If you have this endorsement, your windshield replacement may be fully covered at $0 out of pocket.
Even without the zero-deductible glass endorsement, comprehensive coverage applies. You would pay your comprehensive deductible (typically $250 to $1,000), and insurance covers the rest. Because hail damage often affects the entire vehicle -- body panels, hood, roof -- a single comprehensive claim can cover both windshield and body damage. Filing a hail claim does not typically affect your premium because hail is considered a non-at-fault event.
For the full insurance process, visit our insurance claims guide.
Beating the Post-Storm Rush
A major Denver hailstorm can damage thousands of vehicles in a single afternoon. After the 2023 storms, wait times for windshield replacement stretched to three weeks or more with some providers. Here is how to minimize your wait:
- Call within 24 hours of the storm, not days later
- Be flexible on scheduling -- weekday mornings and mid-week appointments fill last
- Choose a provider with a large mobile fleet rather than a single-location shop
- Have your insurance information ready when you call to speed up the booking process
- If your windshield is drivable (no major cracks obstructing vision), do not claim emergency status -- save that priority for truly unsafe vehicles
Preventing Hail Damage
Complete prevention is impossible in Denver, but you can reduce your risk:
- Park in a garage whenever possible during hail season (May through August)
- Monitor weather alerts -- Denver hailstorms typically develop in the afternoon and evening
- If caught in a hailstorm while driving, pull under an overpass or into a gas station canopy
- Consider a hail protection car cover for vehicles that must park outside
- Repair existing chips promptly -- a weakened windshield is more likely to shatter in hail
Denver Hail Damage by the Numbers
Colorado averages 7 to 10 significant hailstorms per year in the Denver metro area. The Front Range corridor from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins is often called "Hail Alley." Average hail damage claims in Colorado exceed $4,000 per vehicle when body and glass damage are combined. Windshield-only damage from hail typically costs $300 to $800 to address, depending on vehicle type and glass features.
Hail Damage? Act Fast.
Book your post-storm windshield replacement now. We handle your insurance claim and come to your location.