Repairing Car with Hail Damage: 5 Essential Tips for Car Owners

Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your car, leaving behind a trail of dents, dings, and shattered glass. It may seem like a nightmare if yours has fallen victim to hail damage. But that doesn’t necessarily have to be so.

With the right expertise and approach, you can restore a car with hail damage to its former glory.

In this guide, we’ll discuss essential tips you can apply when facing the daunting task of repairing hail damage. So buckle up, and let’s dive right into the topic.

What Size Hail Causes Car Damage

There is no straightforward answer to this question. Many factors come into play when considering how much damage can be caused by hail hitting a car, such as the density of the hailstones, their hardness, the speed at which hailstones fall, etc.

So, can small hail damage a car?

Typically, small hailstones, at least one inch in diameter, can cause noticeable dents. But with higher wind speeds, the force of impact is greater. That means the same hailstones can cause more damage.

Types Of Damage Hail Can Do To A Car

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If you’re caught in a hailstorm, be prepared to deal with potential damage to your vehicle, ranging from minor dents to substantial structural damage. Here are just a few of the most common issues that car owners have to face.

1. Surface Damage

The surface of a car is often damaged due to the impact of hailstones. The size of the hailstones and the force with which they hit the surface determine how much damage there will be. If you’re lucky, they may be as small as a dimple. On a bad day, the impact can leave a gaping crater on the body.

2. Paint Damage

The next question in your mind is most likely, “Can hail chip paint?” Unfortunately, yes. If the hail strikes the surface hard enough, it can chip the paint job, creating unsightly – and expensive – blemishes, exposing the metal beneath. If the site is left untreated, rust and corrosion can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle.

3. Windshield Damage

Just like the surface of your car, the windshield can crack or shatter from the impact of hailstones. This type of damage requires immediate repair to prevent further damage. Plus, it can also compromise the safety of the car. 

4. Structural Damage

Sometimes, damage caused by hail may be so extreme that it weakens the car’s frame, undermining its overall stability and structural integrity. Even though this is usually rare, this type of damage should be fixed right away to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive.

What To Do If Hail Damaged Your Car

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If your vehicle has been damaged by hail, here are some tips to handle the situation.

Tip #1: Assess Car with Hail Damage

Before diving into repairs, take the time to thoroughly assess the extent of the damage. Inspect your car under good lighting, preferably in daylight. This helps make the dents, scratches, and other imperfections more visible. Some of the damage may be superficial, while deeper ones may require professional attention. Understanding the scope of the damage enables you to plan for repairs better and avoid unexpected surprises along the way.

How To Check For Hail Damage On Car

Inspect your car from all angles, paying particular attention to the following aspects:

Glass Components

One of the most important things to check after a hailstorm is the glass components of your car, including the windshield, windows, and side mirror. Inspect for cracks immediately; these can exacerbate quickly and impair your visibility on the road. Worse, cracks can spread and cause the glass to shatter. Likewise, check the joints on your side mirrors to ensure they move easily.

Highlight Visible Dents

The hood, trunk, and top of your car are likely to suffer the most hail damage since the smooth surface makes the dents more noticeable. So these are the places where you should search for dents first.

But don’t underestimate the chaos caused by bouncing hailstones and gusty winds. They can wreak havoc on the sides of your car. So it’s wise to give your car a good once-over after a hailstorm, paying close attention to the doors and side panels.

Make sure to take pictures of all the dents and dings. This can help document the damage before filing your insurance claim.

Feel for Microdents

While it may be easy to spot the large dents, smaller ones can go undetected. Make sure to use lights at different angles to help highlight these dents. But one fail-proof method to identify hard-to-see microdents is to inspect your car by slowly gliding your hand over its surface.

Tip #2: Document the Damage

Now, you need to know how to document hail damage to cars. Begin by taking clear photographs of all visible damage, making sure to capture every dent, scratch, crack, and chip from multiple angles. These pictures will serve as proof when filing an insurance claim. Moreover, it can help you keep track of repairs from start to finish.

Tip #3: Contact Your Insurance Provider

Once you’ve assessed and documented the damage thoroughly, get in touch with your insurance company to file a claim. You will need to provide detailed information about the extent of the damage, including the date and location of the hailstorm. Your insurance provider will look into the claims process and provide a list of approved vendors that provide hail damage repair services.

Tip #4: Find the Right Repair Shop

When choosing a repair shop, research the local community to find a reputable and experienced one. Look for shops that have a proven record of quality workmanship. Checking online reviews and asking for advice from family or friends can help you narrow down your options and find a trustworthy repair shop in your area.

Tip #5: Understand Your Repair Options

Depending on the severity of the hail damage, you may have several repair options to consider. Traditional bodywork techniques such as dent removal and panel replacement may be necessary for more extensive damage.

But Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a popular method for repairing minor to moderate hail damage. It’s faster and more cost effective than traditional bodywork. Skilled technicians use specific tools to gently remove dents to restore the affected panels to their original shape.

If you’re wondering if you can fix hail damage yourself, you’re not alone. Many owners are tempted to try getting hail dents out of cars using  DIY techniques, but often, this causes more harm than good. So it’s best to leave a hail-damage car repair to a professional.

Over to You

Any car with hail damage is a distressing sight. After reading this blog, you have a better idea of how to transform your blemished vehicle to its original pristine condition. The key to success lies in finding professional auto repair shops like Rapid Auto Hail Repair that have experience in dealing with cars that have met hail damage.

With over 15 years of experience in paintless and conventional dent repair, Rapid Auto Hail Repair has you covered. We have skilled workmen who can help restore your car to its pre-damaged condition before value depreciation kicks in. For more details about our process, feel free to talk to one of our customer service agents.