Effects of Ignoring Hail Damage: What Car Owners Need to Know

If you’ve just experienced hail damage to your car and haven’t scheduled a trip to the auto repair shop, you need to do that soon. Hailstorms can leave dents, cracks, and other signs of damage. If you aren’t quick to address these, they can lead to issues that affect a vehicle’s longevity, safety, and value.

Stay with us as we explore the effects of ignoring hail damage, explaining why timely repairs are essential.

What You Didn’t Know About The Effects of Ignoring Hail Damage

While the hail damage on cars may seem negligible at times, you should always get your car evaluated by a professional hail damage repair specialist. They have years of experience in detecting damage and fixing hail dents.

If you’re still thinking about whether or not repairing your car after a hailstorm is necessary, here is a list of reasons to fix hail damage ASAP:

1. Compromised Aesthetics

Hail damage, even when it’s minor, can significantly reduce the visual appeal of your vehicle. Common problems from hail damage, such as dented panels, chipped paint, or cracked windshields, are not only unsightly, but they also give your car a neglected appearance.

2. Negative Impact on Resale Value

Source: Freepik

Car resale value and hail damage just don’t get along. Buyers or dealerships often view hail-damaged cars as poorly maintained, even if the mechanical condition is sound.

Unrepaired damage signals potential future problems, making your car less desirable.

Fixing hail dents before selling your vehicle can increase its value by several thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.

3. Escalation of Damage Over Time

One of the most significant risks of untreated hail damage is issues that can worsen over time. Small dents or cracks may not seem urgent, but they create weak points in your vehicle’s exterior.

Here are some Long-Term Hail-Damaged Car Risks

Rust and Corrosion: Dented areas often expose the underlying metal, especially if the paint is chipped. Once exposed, metal can corrode and rust, leading to structural weakening.

Cracked Windshields: Tiny cracks in your windshield from hail can grow into larger fractures due to temperature changes or road vibrations. This compromises visibility and safety.

Water Intrusion: Damaged areas may allow water to seep into your car, leading to mold growth, electrical issues, or damage to the interior.

4. Reduced Structural Integrity

Your car’s outer shell isn’t just for aesthetics – it also plays a crucial role in protecting you. Hence, hail damage and car safety are closely linked. Hail-damaged areas are weaker and less capable of absorbing impact during a collision. Damage to the panel, roof, or hood can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle.

Dents or cracks in critical areas can compromise airbag deployment or the car’s ability to crumple as designed, putting passengers at greater risk. So, ignoring even minor hail damage increases the chances that your vehicle won’t perform as intended in an emergency.

5. Increased Insurance Challenges

Insurance for hail damage repair is usually covered under comprehensive policies, but delaying repairs can complicate claims. Insurance companies may deny or reduce payouts if you wait too long to report or fix hail damage. Neglected damage may be considered wear and tear rather than an insurable event.

Timely hail damage fixes ensure that you can utilize your insurance benefits effectively without jeopardizing future coverage.

6. Higher Repair Costs Down the Line

Source: Freepik

Small dents can often be fixed for a few hundred dollars using PDR techniques. But delaying repairs makes the damage more severe.

As water pools in the small craters, the panels may begin to rust and corrode. Rusted panels, cracked paint, or structural damage may necessitate full panel replacements or repainting, which can cost thousands.

While paintless dent repair (PDR) is a cost-effective solution for minor hail damage, advanced deterioration can require more extensive – and expensive – repairs. Taking action early not only saves money but also ensures your car remains in optimal condition.

7. Impaired Vehicle Performance

Hail damage consequences may extend beyond surface-level dents, possibly affecting your car’s functionality. For instance, performance issues may arise due to:

• Alignment Problems: Severe hailstorms can distort the body frame, affecting wheel alignment.
• Aerodynamics Concerns: Dented panels, particularly on the roof or hood, can disrupt airflow, reducing fuel efficiency over time.
• Electrical Faults: Water can enter through damaged areas and short-circuit critical systems, leading to malfunctions.

These issues highlight the importance of car maintenance after hail. Seemingly minor hail damage can quickly snowball into performance problems if left unchecked.

8. Prolonged Neglect May Void Warranties

For newer models, neglecting car repair after hail can void warranties. Manufacturers often require owners to maintain their vehicles in good condition to preserve warranty coverage. So ignoring hail damage may be deemed as neglect, invalidating warranty claims for related issues.

Examples of warranty voids include:

• Paint warranties may not cover damage that has been exacerbated by rust.
• Structural warranties might not apply if hail-damaged areas compromise the frame.

9. Possible Legal Issues

In some areas, driving with a visibly hail-damaged car may result in fines. For example, cracked windshields or impaired headlights can render a vehicle non-compliant with road safety laws. And severely damaged headlights or mirrors can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents and liability. So, getting the damage fixed in time can help circumvent such problems.

10. Added Stress

Driving a hail-damaged vehicle can be a constant reminder of the storm and the pending repair tasks you’ve put off. Lingering concerns about worsening damage can also cause anxiety over potential repair costs. Besides this, the damaged aesthetics can make you feel embarrassed about your car’s appearance. So yes, a hail-damaged car can cause stress, affecting your confidence and enjoyment behind the wheel.

The Importance of Immediate Action

Source: Freepik

Hail damage isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a gateway to more serious and costly problems if ignored. Addressing damage promptly can save you money, maintain your car’s value, and ensure safety on the road.

Ok, now that you know how important dent repair for hail-damaged cars is, what should you do next?

Steps to Take After Hail Damage

Assess the Damage: Conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle after a hailstorm.

Document the Damage: Take photos to support insurance claims.

Contact Your Insurer: Notify your insurance company immediately to initiate the claims process.

Choose a Reputable Repair Shop: Look for experienced professionals, especially those specializing in paintless dent repair.

Act Quickly: Don’t delay repairs, as minor damage can escalate quickly.

Over to You

Hailstorms may be unpredictable, and protecting cars from hail during a storm can be difficult, but how you respond to the damage is entirely within your control. Repairing your car may seem like an inconvenience, but the effects of ignoring hail damage can lead to extensive financial, functional, and safety issues down the line. So, you need to get your car fixed pronto.

This is where we come into the picture. At Rapid Auto Hail Repair, we can help get your car back to its pre-hail condition. With years of experience in auto body repair for hail damage, we have the talent, tools, and experience to get the job done. What’s more, we can help you with all the insurance work, ensuring that your repair journey is as hassle-free as possible.

For more details about our services, book an appointment with one of our hail repair specialists.