Hail of any size can cause damage to a vehicle, but the size of the hailstone and the duration of the storm are the most significant factors in determining the extent of the damage. Here are some key points from the search results:

• Size of hail: While there is no clear size as to exactly how big hail has to be to damage steel or aluminum vehicles, a good rule of thumb is one inch or the size of a quarter. Hail that is over half an inch in diameter is more likely to cause severe damage to personal belongings, like your vehicle. Hail of any size can cause damage to your vehicle, but its hail measuring at least one inch in diameter that causes the biggest damage.

• Wind: Wind is a significant factor in determining the extent of the damage. When hail becomes larger than an inch, growing to two inches or even three inches or larger and wind is introduced, it can cause severe damage to your vehicle. The angle of the wind is also a factor in how much damage small hail causes to your vehicle.

• Material of the vehicle: The material your vehicle is made out of also factors into how much damage small auto hail causes to its exterior. Steel and aluminum have different strengths and abilities to absorb shock.

• Type of damage: Dents are the most common form of hail damage, and the size of the hailstone and the severity of the wind determine the size of the dents. Hail can also scrape against body panels, causing chips or scratches on your paint. A major hailstorm can also crack your glass, mirrors, or lights.

In conclusion, hail that is over half an inch in diameter is more likely to cause severe damage to personal belongings, like your vehicle. However, hail of any size can cause damage to your vehicle, and hail measuring at least one inch in diameter causes the biggest damage. The wind speed and duration of the storm, as well as the material of the vehicle, are also significant factors in determining the extent of the damage.