Hailstorms: protect your home and family
Find out how to protect your home and family before, during and after a hailstorm.
Updated on July 24, 2026 | 4 minute read
Why prepare for hailstorms
Hailstorms peak in frequency around late spring to summer. They usually occur during afternoon thunderstorms, but they can strike anytime. Depending on the conditions, a hailstone can grow the size of a grapefruit and can hit the ground at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour or more.1
Property damage and financial loss
A hailstorm can cause serious damage to your home in a matter of minutes.
Common hail-related damage:
- Cracked or dented shingles, siding, gutters, soffits and downspouts
- Shattered or cracked windows and skylights
- Storm-damaged decks, patio furniture, sheds and air conditioner units
- Fallen or damaged trees and shrubs
Hailstorms by the numbers
130 is the average number of severe hail events per year in the Prairies.1
$3.25 billion in insured losses from more than 130,000 claims after a record-breaking hailstorm that hit the Calgary area in August 2024.2
9 cm is the diameter of a hailstone from a 2012 storm in the Sioux Lookout area in northwestern Ontario.1Who is at risk
As storm severity and frequency continue to change, severe hail has increasingly become a risk across many regions of the country, not just in traditionally high-risk areas.
The Prairies: home of Hail Alley
In the Prairies, hail is responsible for more damage to personal property and crops than all severe weather events combined during the summer.1
Hail Alley, also known as Hailstorm Alley, is an area in Alberta that see a high frequency of hailstorms. It’s located south of Calgary to north of Red Deer and west of Highway 2 into the foothills.
Ontario: Canada’s other hail-prone area
More than a quarter of the province’s severe weather events in the summer are due to hail.1
What to do before, during and after a hailstorm3
Before it hails: how to protect your property
- Sign up for weather alerts. The Government of Canada’s WeatherCAN app can help you stay up to date.
- Clear your eavestroughs of debris to minimize ice dams or water damage.
- Inspect your roof for damage and repair any problem areas.
- Remove weak branches or trees near your home.
- Cover or store outdoor items like barbecues, patio furniture and air conditioner units. And don’t forget to move vehicles into a garage or use a cover, like the Hail Protector System, to avoid costly repairs.
- Make sure you have the right coverage for your home. Connect with your financial representative or find one in your area.
- Consider using window safety films or installing impact-resistant shutters.
- Look into installing impact-resistant roofing and siding.
- Rebuild better after a claim to prevent future damage. At Co-operators, every eligible home policy includes our TomorrowStrong® coverage which provides financial support to repair your home using more resilient and sustainable materials.
During a hailstorm: how to protect your family
- Find shelter indoors.
- Stay away from windows, glass doors and skylights.
- Close drapes or blinds to protect yourself from broken glass and flying debris.
- If you’re caught outside, avoid finding shelter under trees, towers, metal fences, poles or in areas that can suddenly fill with water.
- If you don’t have access to shelter, crouch down, turn away from the wind, and use your hands to protect your head and neck.
- Keep pets indoors.
After it hails: post-storm checklist
- Be prepared for additional risks, including flooding and power outages.
- If there’s a power outage, turn off electronics and appliances to avoid damage from a power surge. Use a flashlight instead of candles.
- Turn off valves if you detect any gas leaks.
- Inspect your home for potential damage.
- Clean up debris and any hazards like broken glass.
- Make temporary repairs.
Need to submit a claim?
If your home has been damaged by hail:
- Take photos or videos to document the damage as soon as possible.
- Keep your receipts for any clean-up and repair costs. You may be able to submit them as part of your claim.
Submit a claim online
Make sure you’re covered
Recommended reads
Heavy rain can lead to flooding or water damage in your home. Get our rainproofing checklist to help protect your home.
When was the last time you examined your roof? Keeping your roof well maintained can help prevent damage.
Find out how to protect your home before a flood, what to do during one and how to deal with the cleanup.
1 Government of Canada – Warm season weather hazards
2 Government of Canada – Hailstorms – Get prepared
Any maintenance involving risk or activities you’re uncomfortable doing on your own, should be handled by a professional.
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Not all products are available in all provinces.
This material is provided for informational purposes only. Please refer to your policy for applicable coverage details, limitations, and exclusions. Individual circumstances may vary. You may wish to contact the licensed insurer’s representative or a licensed agent if you need advice about your insurance needs. In Quebec, a licensed insurance advisor is a Financial Advisor or a Representative.
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Co-operators® is a registered trademark of The Co-operators Group Limited and is used with permission.
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