Very High Hail Risk
High Risk Region PDR Guide
PDR guide for high hail risk regions: Colorado Front Range, Kansas City metro, St. Louis, and upper Midwest. Frequent severe weather with 8-15 hail events annually.
Quick Facts
Risk Level
Very High
Annual Frequency
8-15 hail events per year
Typical Size
Quarter to golf ball size (1" to 1.75")
Peak Season
April-September (peak: June-July)
Hail Risk Characteristics
Primary Concerns
- Main Issue:
- Regular hailstorms requiring periodic PDR
- Secondary Issue:
- Accumulating damage over multiple seasons
Typical Damage Pattern
Dozens of small to medium dents, typically roof and hood
Complexity: Moderate - manageable dent counts
Specific Challenges
- Predictable hail season requires annual preparation
- Mountain weather (Colorado) creates sudden severe storms
- Cold winters limit repair season availability
- Multiple smaller events can accumulate damage
- Insurance tracking prior damage for subsequent claims
- Vehicle value depreciation from repeat hail exposure
Repair Characteristics & Costs
Typical Repair Costs
- Average Repair:
- $1,500-$4,000 per vehicle for typical storm
- Seasonal Demand:
- Spikes after storms; 2-4 week backlogs in peak season
- Technician Availability:
- Good - established PDR markets with experienced technicians
Annual Cost Analysis
- Expected Annual Risk:
- $300-$800/year expected hail damage
- Average Claim Cost:
- $2,500 average comprehensive claim
- Prevention ROI:
- Covered parking saves $1,500-$3,000 over 5 years
Insurance Considerations
Premium Impact
+10-15% vs national average
vs national average
Claim Frequency
1 in 4 vehicles will have hail claim over 5 years
Total Loss Risk
Moderate - possible with severe storms
Coverage Recommendations
- Comprehensive Coverage:
- Highly recommended - frequent exposure
- Recommended Deductible:
- $500-$1,000 (balance premium vs out of pocket)
Prevention Strategies
Covered parking during peak hail season (April-September)
Portable hail car covers for home use
Track weather forecasts during thunderstorm season
Move vehicles to parking garages when warnings issued
Consider ceramic coating for paint protection
Document vehicle condition annually
Cities in High Risk Zone
Denver, CO
15-25 hail events per year (EXTREME)
$200-600 per panel
Minneapolis, MN
10-18 hail events per year
$160-420 per panel
Salt Lake City, UT
8-15 hail events per year
$150-400 per panel
Omaha, NE
8-12 hail events per year
$185-575 per panel
San Antonio, TX
10-18 hail events per year
$190-600 per panel
Austin, TX
12-20 hail events per year
$200-650 per panel
Houston, TX
8-14 hail events per year
$195-580 per panel
Wichita, KS
10-16 hail events per year
$175-575 per panel
Colorado Springs, CO
8-13 hail events per year
$190-575 per panel