Weathering the Storm in Alberta Series – Part 1
In Alberta, hail isn’t just an occasional nuisance, it’s one of the most damaging and costly weather events we face. In fact, Alberta is Canada’s hail capital, with cities like Calgary and Edmonton frequently seeing massive storms between June and September. As a homeowner, understanding your risk and your insurance coverage is essential.
We’ve compiled practical advice and expert-backed prevention strategies to help you stay ahead of the storm.
TL;DR:
Alberta is Canada’s hail capital, facing costly storms each summer. Homeowners should regularly check for damage to roofs, siding, and windows, and understand their insurance coverage: Home policies typically cover structural damage but exclude cosmetic or pre-existing issues. Auto insurance covers vehicle hail damage only if Comprehensive coverage is chosen. Preventive measures include impact-resistant materials, protective coverings, and landscaping maintenance. Always promptly document and report damage to ensure coverage. Cornerstone Insurance helps clarify your coverage and supports claims management.
Why Alberta Gets So Much Hail
Alberta lies within a region often called “Hail Alley,” stretching from High River through Calgary and north to Edmonton. Warm, moist air from the south meets cold mountain air from the Rockies, creating ideal conditions for frequent and powerful hailstorms.
In 2024, a severe, record-breaking Calgary hailstorm resulted in over $2.8 billion in insured damage, becoming one of Canada’s costliest weather events ever. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, “by the end of the storm, almost one in five homes in Calgary was impacted.” With damages to homes, vehicles and even several aircrafts, this storm surpassed records set back in 2020 by the same type of loss.
What Type of Damage to Look For?
Hail can vary in size from small pellets to golf balls or larger. Damage often includes:
- Roofing damage (especially asphalt shingles and cedar shake)
- Dented siding and eavestroughs
- Broken windows and skylights
- Vehicle damage
- Exterior air conditioning units
- Garden structures or fencing
Even when hail doesn’t visibly break through materials, it can weaken them over time, increasing the risk of water leaks and future issues.
How Home Insurance Typically Covers Hail Damage
Most standard home insurance policies in Alberta cover hail damage, but with some important caveats.
Covered:
- Roof and exterior damage (often subject to depreciation or roof age clauses)
- Detached structures like garages and sheds
- Interior damage caused by hail breaking through the home’s envelope
Not covered:
- Cosmetic damage (like minor dents in metal siding that don’t impair function)
Also not covered would be pre-existing roof wear, that is damage that was present prior to purchasing the insurance policy. This could be a result of wear and tear, lack of maintenance, material degradation due to weather exposure, etc. As a side note, wear and tear and pre-existing damage are general exclusions under all insurance policies.
Some insurers apply a higher deductible just for hail. Also, roofs over 15 years old may only be covered for actual cash value rather than replacement cost.
What About Vehicle Damage from Hail?
Hail often causes significant damage to vehicles, from cracked windshields to dents in the hood, roof, and trunk. But this kind of damage isn’t covered by your home insurance, it falls under your auto policy. Here’s how it typically works in Alberta:
Covered under Auto Insurance (if you have Comprehensive or All Perils coverage):
- Dents and body damage caused by hail
- Paint damage from hail impacts
An additional policy is required for glass coverage. AMI is an affordable option for vehicle owners.
Hail damage is not covered if you only have basic liability or collision coverage. If you’ve opted out of Comprehensive coverage, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket.
Things to check on your auto policy:
- Do you have Comprehensive or All Perils coverage?
- What’s your deductible for this type of claim?
- Does your policy include loss of use (rental vehicle coverage) if your car needs repairs?
Hail Damage Prevention Tips
While we can’t control the weather, we can take steps to minimize risk:
- Upgrade Your Roof Materials: Consider impact-resistant shingles (Class 4 rated). Some insurers offer discounts for these upgrades.
- Install Protective Siding: Fiber cement, brick, or engineered wood siding tends to hold up better than vinyl in hailstorms.
- Protect Exterior Equipment: Add hail guards or protective covers for A/C units and venting systems.
- Secure Covered Parking: Garage your vehicle where possible, or install a carport, especially during peak storm months.
- Maintain Landscaping: Keep trees trimmed to prevent branches from damaging your home or roof during a storm.
What to Do After a Hailstorm
- Inspect your property by safely checking your roof, siding, and windows.
- Take photos of any visible damage for documentation.
- Contact your broker if you suspect damage, even if it seems minor.
How Cornerstone Can Help
We start by helping you get the right coverage. Then, in the event of a claim, we advocate for you during the claims process and we clarify the fine print, especially around hail deductibles, roof depreciation, and exclusions.
More in the ‘Weathering the Storm in Alberta’ series:
Part 2 – Wildfire Preparedness: How to Protect Your Alberta Home or Business
Part 3 – Flooding & Water Damage: Know Your Risks and Coverage
Part 4 – Wind & Tornado Damage: Protecting Your Alberta Home and Business
