Some cars only have a dent, others are just a pile of scrap: A storm can cause just as serious damage as a car accident.

Storms caused insurers total costs of around 1.3 billion euros last year. A total of 340,000 cars were damaged in Germany, according to the German Insurance Association (GDV). The damage ranged from minor dents and scratches to destruction caused by falling trees or flooding.

The actual number of cars hit by storms and hail was even higher, because companies only pay for storm damage for vehicles with comprehensive insurance. Only third-party motor insurance is required by law. This only covers damage that drivers cause to other people's property.

Storm damage to comprehensively insured cars was very unevenly distributed regionally: Baden-Württemberg led the way by a wide margin. In the southwest alone, storms damaged 133,500 vehicles, an above-average share of more than a third. The costs amounted to €530 million. Bavaria followed in second place with 65,000 storm-related car damages – although these were the most expensive compared to Germany, averaging €4,300.

According to the association, 2024 was an average year in this regard. However, storm damage is increasing in the longer term. "In recent years, we have seen that individual storm cells and hailstorms have become more severe," said GDV Managing Director Jörg Asmussen.