Hail Damage Car Myths : Everything You Need to Know

Does hail damage cars? After seeing your car get damaged in a hail storm, you already know the answer to that. But, the myths surrounding auto hail damage can add to the distressing moment, causing you to make decisions that may affect your vehicle’s value and safety in the long run.

If you’ve received conflicting advice and aren’t sure what to do next, this guide is here to clear things up. We’ll address some of the most common hail damage car myths and uncover the truth behind them, giving you the information you need to make the best decisions for your vehicle.

Common Hail Damage Car Myths Debunked

There are many hail damage repair myths, but we can only discuss some of them. Here are a few of the most widespread ones, along with the truth behind these misconceptions.

Myth #1: Only Large Hailstones Can Damage A Car

A common misconception about hail damage is only large hailstones can damage a vehicle. Well, large hailstones are indeed more likely to cause more damage. But small hail can also leave visible dents. They just tend to go unnoticed, especially on darker or well-polished surfaces.

If you’re wondering what size hail damages cars, I’ll be clear – any size hail can wreak havoc on your car. Even pea-sized hail damage can weaken a vehicle’s paint and expose it to corrosion.

Myth #2: Minor Hail Damage Isn’t Worth Repairing

Unnoticeable dents caused by light hail sometimes convince car owners that repairs aren’t necessary. So, is it worth fixing hail damage caused by minor hail? Yes, definitely. Minor hail damage can gradually worsen if left unaddressed, compromising the car’s paintwork and making it susceptible to rust.

But that’s not the only reason why it’s important to fix minor damage. Even those negligible dents can reduce a vehicle’s resale value. After all, people may be hesitant to buy a hail-damaged car. No matter how small the hail damage may seem, repairing it is a great way to maintain its integrity and value.

Myth #3: Don’t Worry So Much, Hail Damage is Purely Cosmetic

Source: Freepik

Some people believe that hail damage is just a cosmetic issue and it won’t impact your vehicle’s functionality. But that mindset can put you and your family in danger. Depending on the size of the hailstones, the damage can range from shattered windshields to broken windows to warped panels. The damage can reduce the vehicle’s aerodynamics and expose sensitive areas to moisture, leading to rust. If the damage is not addressed in time, your problems will be more than just a surface blemish.

Myth #4: Hail Damage Repair is Very Expensive

The cost of fixing hail damage depends on the severity and extent of the damage. For example, a light hail damage car can often be repaired through PDR (paintless dent repair). It’s a cost-effective and efficient way to restore a car’s surface without major repairs.

However, if there is extensive damage, you may need to consider traditional dent repair or replace the damaged panel. But even these repairs can be covered by comprehensive auto insurance. So, no, repairing a hail-damaged car may not be as expensive as you think.

Myth #5: Reporting Hail Damage Means Higher Insurance Rates

Many vehicle owners believe that reporting hail damage will inevitably lead to higher insurance premiums. However, that’s not true. Hail damage is different from accidents, as it’s considered an “act of nature.” In fact, some policies, such as comprehensive coverage, cover the cost of repairing hail damage. But, since policies can differ from state to state, it’s best to consult your insurance provider about the details regarding your hail damage coverage.

Myth #6: Hail Damage Looks the Same on All Cars

Contrary to popular belief, hail damage doesn’t affect all vehicles the same way. Severe hail damage vs minor damage varies widely depending on factors like hail size, wind speed, and the car’s body material.

Some vehicles may experience light dents from pea-sized hail, while others may acquire severe dents from larger ones. Furthermore, aluminum and steel can show varied levels of visible damage. That means one car may show minimal effects while another parked nearby could exhibit extensive dents or shattered windows.

Myth #7: Hail Damage Can’t Be Fixed

Source: Freepik

For those wondering, “Can hail damage be fixed?” the answer is a resounding yes. While some people believe that once a car is damaged by hail, there’s no way to restore it fully, hail damage is often repairable, even when the dents look severe.

Techniques like PDR can effectively remove minor dents without affecting the car’s paint, making it look as good as new. On the other hand, traditional repair methods can fix severely damaged cars.

Myth #8: Hail Damage Needs to Be Severe to File a Claim

Many car owners think they can only file an insurance claim if the hail damage is extensive. However, this isn’t always true. Insurance policies often cover a range of damage types, from minor dings to severe dents, depending on the type of insurance policy you have.

So, how bad does hail damage need to be to file a claim? Any damage is bad enough. Remember, no matter how insignificant the damage may seem to you, you’re better off filing a claim because even small dents can reduce your car’s value and may lead to further issues over time. Besides, why pay out of pocket if your insurance provider can cover the cost?

Myth #9: It Takes a Long Time to Repair Your Hail-Damaged Car

Most people think it takes a long time to repair hail damage, meaning your car will be at the shop for weeks. In reality, the time it takes to repair hail damage varies based on the severity of the damage and the repair method used. Severely damaged can take time to repair. However, reputable repair shops with a good scheduling system can help get repairs soon.

For a car with minor dents, PDR offers a quick and efficient fix. It often takes just a few hours or a day or two to complete, depending on the extent of the damage. So car owners can be back on the road fairly quickly. What’s more, some auto repair shops offer mobile services. That means technicians can come directly to your home or workplace to assess and repair the damage on-site. This circumvents the hassle of dropping off and picking up their vehicles.

Final Thoughts

Understanding hail damage car myths is your first step to repairing your car. You now have the information to make informed decisions about your vehicle. But now you need to do the most important thing- find a reliable auto repair shop that has expert hail repair technicians. 

Remember, hail damage isn’t purely cosmetic. If you don’t get it done right, your car could be damaged further, and its resale value could drop.

At Rapid Auto Hail Repair, we take extra care when repairing hail damage to preserve its appearance, value, and safety. But that’s not all. We can also guide you through the insurance claims process. For more information, consult our auto repair professionals so we can explore the best repair options for your car.