I looked out the window and saw golf-ball-sized hail pounding my fleet of 10 cars parked in the driveway. The sound was like gunfire. When it stopped, every single hood and roof was dimpled. I am facing $30,000 in damage. I called my insurer, and they reminded me: “You have a deductible per vehicle.”
Key Takeaways
- The Deductible Multiplier: You do not pay one deductible for the “storm.” You pay one deductible per car. If your deductible is $1,000 and 10 cars are hit, you owe $10,000 before insurance pays a dime.
- Comprehensive Coverage is Key: Hail is a “Comprehensive” (Other than Collision) claim. It usually doesn’t raise rates as much as a crash, but for a fleet, it might trigger a risk review.
- PDR (Paintless Dent Repair): This is your best friend. It preserves the factory paint and is cheaper/faster than body shops.
- Total Loss Risk: Older cars (e.g., 2018 models) might be totaled by a severe hail storm because the repair cost exceeds 75% of the value.
The “Why”: The Aggregate Limit Trap
Some commercial policies have an “Aggregate Deductible” (e.g., max $5,000 out of pocket per event), but most standard/Turo plans do not.
If your cars were “Available” on Turo but not on a trip, this falls on your personal/commercial off-rent policy, not Turo. Turo only pays if the hail hit during a guest’s trip.
The Investigation: Saving the Fleet
I interviewed a fleet manager who survived a Texas hail storm.
- Step 1: Sort the fleet. High-value cars get fixed first. Economy cars might just be sold “as-is” or driven with dents if safety isn’t compromised (and platform allows).
- Step 2: Negotiate Bulk PDR. Don’t go to the dealer. Find a “Hail Chaser” PDR mobile team. Tell them: “I have 10 cars. Give me a wholesale rate.”
- Result: He got the repair cost down from $3,000/car to $1,500/car.
Comparison: Repair Options
| Method | Cost | Time | Result |
| Traditional Body Shop | High | Weeks | Bondo/Repaint (Lowers value) |
| Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) | Medium | Days | Original Paint kept (Best value) |
| Do Nothing (Cash Out) | Free | N/A | Pocket the check, drive dented car (Risk delisting) |
[IMAGE: Photo of a specialized “Hail Light” reflecting on a car hood, revealing hundreds of dents invisible to the naked eye]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Assess the Status: Identify which cars were on active Turo trips. File those claims with Turo (Guest’s protection plan applies).
- File Off-Rent Claims: For the cars sitting idle, file with your off-rent carrier (Lula/Personal).
- Hire a PDR Specialist: Contract a mobile tech to come to your lot. Do not tow 10 cars to a shop.
- Review the Total Loss Math: If the insurer wants to total a car, fight for the “Owner Retained” value if the damage is purely cosmetic and you can legally rent it (check local laws).
FAQ
Will Turo delist my car for hail dents?
Yes. Guests will report “Vehicle not as described” or “Damage.” You must fix it or sell it.
Does hail raise my premiums?
Generally no, as it’s an “Act of God.” However, 10 claims in one day might trigger a non-renewal for “High Risk Location.”
Can I buy hail covers?
Yes. In 2026, inflatable “Hail Protector” bubbles are popular for fleets in Texas/Colorado.