State-by-State Hail Statistics: Where Storms Hit the Hardest, Cost the Most, and How to Protect Yourself.
Hailstorms aren’t just a nuisance – they can be devastating, causing billions in damages every year. If you live in a hail-prone state, chances are you’ve had to repair a cracked windshield, replace roof shingles, or deal with an insurance headache.
Some states get hit far more often than others, and some experience bigger, costlier hail events that drive up insurance rates. Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska are among the most affected, but how bad is it really?
This guide will break down:
- Which states get hit the most by hail
- Where hail does the most financial damage
- How hail affects insurance rates (and what you can do about it)
- The most expensive hailstorms in U.S. history
- Which areas are less prone to hail
- How to protect your home, car, and wallet from hail damage
Which States Get the Most Hail?
Hailstorms don’t happen everywhere, but some states get hammered every year. The Great Plains and Midwest are the most hail-prone regions, thanks to the perfect mix of warm, humid air meeting cold, dry air.
Visualizing Hail Frequency by State
Top 5 States for Hail Events
Texas is the king of hail, averaging 667 hailstorms per year. In 2023 alone, Texas recorded 1,123 major hail events – more than double any other state.
📍 Kansas: Experiences 419 hailstorms per year, with 459 recorded in 2023.
📍 Nebraska: Averages 319 hail events per year, with 486 in 2023.
📍 Colorado & Missouri: Each had 400 hailstorms in 2023.
📍 South Dakota & North Dakota: Frequently see 200+ hailstorms per year.
Table: States with the Most Hail Events (Annual Average)
| Hail Events Rank | State | Average Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 667 |
| 2 | Kansas | 419 |
| 3 | Nebraska | 319 |
| 4 | Colorado | 234 |
| 5 | South Dakota | 302 |
| 6 | Missouri | 250 |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 194 |
| 8 | North Dakota | 204 |
| 9 | Minnesota | 170 |
| 10 | Iowa | 165 |
🚨 What You Can Do: If you live in a hail-prone state, consider reinforced roofing, covered parking for vehicles, and impact-resistant windows to reduce damage risks.
Which States Have the Highest Hail Damage Costs?
Not all hailstorms are created equal. Some states get more severe storms, leading to higher repair costs and insurance claims.
Most Expensive Hail Damage States
- 💰 Texas: Loses $338.6 million per year to hail.
- 💰 Colorado: Suffers $151 million in annual losses and has the highest per capita hail costs.
- 💰 Nebraska: Takes a $50.8 million financial hit from hail every year.
- 💰 Kansas & Oklahoma: Face tens of millions in annual hail-related costs.
Hail Damage Trends Over Time
Per Capita Hail Damage Costs
Which states take the hardest financial hit per person?
- 📍 Colorado: $30.13 per capita hail losses per year.
- 📍 Nebraska: $27.81 per capita losses.
- 📍 Oklahoma: $21.46 per capita losses.
- 📍 South Dakota & North Dakota: $15.57 & $13.69 per capita, respectively.
Table: States with the Highest Hail Damage Costs
| Rank | State | Annual Damage ($) | Per Capita Loss ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | $338.6M | $11.30 |
| 2 | Colorado | $151.5M | $30.13 |
| 3 | Nebraska | $50.8M | $27.81 |
| 4 | Kansas | $32.8M | $12.90 |
| 5 | Oklahoma | $21.46M | $21.46 |
| 6 | South Dakota | $15.57M | $15.57 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $13.69M | $13.69 |
🚨 What You Can Do: If you live in a high-risk hail state, check with your insurance provider about deductibles for hail damage and ways to lower your costs.
The Most Expensive Hailstorms in U.S. History
Some hailstorms are so destructive they make history.
Hail Frequency by State
Top 3 Costliest Hailstorms Ever
- 🏚 Phoenix, AZ – 2010: $2.8 BILLION in damages (largest on record).
- 🏚 Denver, CO – 2017: $2.3 billion in damages, mostly from roof and car destruction.
- 🏚 Dallas, TX – 2016: $1.4 billion in insurance claims from massive hailstones.
Table: Most Expensive Hailstorms in U.S. History
| Rank | Date | Location | Total Damage ($ Billions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 5, 2010 | Phoenix, AZ | $2.8B |
| 2 | May 8, 2017 | Denver, CO | $2.3B |
| 3 | April 12, 2016 | Dallas, TX | $1.4B |
| 4 | June 13, 2012 | St. Louis, MO | $1.3B |
| 5 | May 28, 2013 | Oklahoma City, OK | $1.2B |
🚨 What You Can Do: If you live in an area prone to big hailstorms, consider storm-resistant roofing and comprehensive insurance to help cover major damage.
How Does Hail Affect Your Insurance?
If you’ve ever filed a hail damage claim, you might have noticed your insurance rates went up afterward. That’s because hail increases risk for insurers, and when claims spike, so do premiums.
When Does Hail Happen Most Often?
Key Facts:
- April – June is peak hail season for most of the U.S.
- Late summer hailstorms are more common in Colorado and the Midwest.
Table: Hail Insurance Coverage by State
| State | % of Drivers with Full Coverage | % of Homes with Hail-Proof Roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 58% | 32% |
| Colorado | 61% | 45% |
| Nebraska | 54% | 38% |
| Oklahoma | 47% | 29% |
| South Dakota | 69% | 42% |
| North Dakota | 35% | 28% |
How Hail Damage Affects Insurance Premiums
- Filing a claim will likely raise your homeowner’s insurance premium.
- 30% average increase in homeowners’ policy rates due to hail claims.
- If your damage is over $5,000, insurers often flag it as severe, leading to higher premiums.
- Multiple claims? You may be labeled a high-risk customer, which means even bigger increases.
How Long Do Insurance Rate Hikes Last?
⏳ Expect higher premiums for 3-7 years after filing a claim.
Which States Have the Most Insurance Claims?
📍 Texas, Minnesota, Arkansas, Illinois, and Nebraska lead in hail-related insurance claims.
🚨 What You Can Do: Check your insurance policy before storm season – make sure you’re covered!
Where Is Hail Less of a Problem?
Not every state gets battered by hail. Some regions barely see any hailstorms at all.
States With the Least Hail Damage
🌤 Rhode Island: Only $23,387 in hail damage per year (lowest in the country!).
🌤 Hawaii: Almost never sees hail due to its warm climate.
🌤 Oregon, Washington, and Maine: Rarely affected by severe hailstorms.
🚨 What You Can Do: If you move to a lower-risk area, you may be able to drop hail coverage on your insurance and save money.
How to Protect Your Home, Car, and Wallet from Hail Damage
Hail can’t be prevented, but you can minimize damage and cut insurance costs with the right strategies.
Protecting Your Home
- 🏠 Install impact-resistant roofing – many insurers offer discounts for this.
- 🏠 Add storm shutters to prevent broken windows.
- 🏠 Inspect your roof regularly for weak spots that hail could damage.
Protecting Your Car
- 🚗 Park in a garage or under covered parking whenever possible.
- 🚗 Invest in a hail-resistant car cover.
- 🚗 If caught in a hailstorm while driving, pull over under an overpass or sheltered area.
Protecting Your Wallet
- 💰 Review your homeowners and auto insurance policies before hail season.
- 💰 Consider a higher deductible if you live in a high-risk area – it can lower your monthly premiums.
Final Thoughts: What the Hail Statistics Tell Us
Hail is one of the most damaging weather events in the U.S., and the numbers prove it.
- Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska experience the most hail events annually, with Texas averaging 667 storms per year.
- Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma take the hardest financial hits per capita, with losses exceeding $30 per person annually in Colorado.
- Texas leads in total hail damage, with $338.6 million in annual losses, followed by Colorado at $151 million and Nebraska at $50.8 million.
- Hail insurance claims are on the rise, causing higher premiums and stricter coverage requirements in storm-prone states.
- The costliest hailstorm on record hit Phoenix, Arizona, in 2010, causing $2.8 billion in damages.
- Some states, like Rhode Island and Hawaii, experience little to no hail, making them the least affected.
These statistics highlight why hail is such a major financial burden in certain states and how it continues to shape insurance costs, home protection strategies, and weather preparedness. If you live in a hail-prone area, understanding these numbers can help you make informed decisions about protecting your home, car, and wallet from future storms.
Take Action: Protect Your Assets with YPA Public Adjusters
Given the significant risks and financial impacts associated with hailstorms, have a trusted advocate on your side when navigating insurance claims. YPA Public Adjusters is a family-owned, licensed, and bonded firm that works exclusively on behalf of homeowners and business owners. Our team is licensed in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Oklahoma, and Puerto Rico, and holds advanced certifications, including HAAG, IICRC Water & Fire, and IAUA Appraisal.
Our Services Include:
- Thorough hail damage assessment and documentation
- Filing and managing hail insurance claims
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Assisting with denied, delayed, or underpaid hail claims
Contact YPA Public Adjusters Today at (682) 267-0336
Let YPA Public Adjusters be your trusted partner in securing the compensation you deserve. By partnering with YPA Public Adjusters, you’re taking a proactive step toward protecting your assets and ensuring peace of mind in the aftermath of hailstorms and other damaging events.