AA Insurance took dozens of claims for cars wrecked by giant hailstones in the North East of England last week, potentially totally £1.5 million.

The broker has estimated that around 1,700 cars could have been damaged in the storm with claimants reported that their cars "looked like golf balls because the bodywork was so dimpled" or "roof and bonnet covered in dents". 

One driver reported that not only had their car suffered dents to the bodywork and the front screen cracked, but the rear screen was also smashed and the car was "full of water and huge hailstones – looked like a giant gin and tonic!’”

Janet Connor, managing director of AA Insurance, said that claims for storm damage such as this will be accepted by insurers.

“But, it does mean that many drivers might lose some or most of their no-claim bonus – after all, it is just that and not a ‘no blame bonus’," she said. "But those with bonus protection cover would get the full pay-out, less their excess, without it affecting their bonus.”

She added that extensive hail damage can write cars off. 

“Dozens of panel dents usually makes the repair cost greater than the value of the car,” she said. 

The AA also received widespread reports from its home insurance and home emergency customers that storms had broken windows and smashed greenhouses and conservatories. 

Connor added: “Thankfully, while storms of this kind are not uncommon in mainland Europe during the summer, they are rare in the UK and are usually isolated.”

The last time giant hailstones caused extensive damage to cars was in Leicester, almost exactly three years ago on July 12, 2012 when the broker took over 200 claims for cars that had suffered a battering.