What is hail damage – A comprehensive guide for vehicle owners

Thank God that fierce thunderstorm is finally over. I bet those were your thoughts as you walked out to your car – until you noticed it was peppered with dents. And that’s when you broke out into a sweat, dreading the costly repairs and trips to the auto repair shop.

If this sounds like something you’ve experienced lately, this comprehensive guide is for you. We will discuss what is hail damage, how to detect damage, the best ways to navigate through the repair process, and what happens if your car is totaled from hail damage. There’s a lot to talk about, so let’s get started.

Understanding What Is Hail Damage on a Car

The size of hailstones can vary from small pea-sized pellets to large golf ball-sized chunks. Since they’re made of solid ice, the bigger the hailstone, the greater the potential for damage. However, the level of damage depends on numerous factors, including the size and hardness of the hailstones, the angle at which they strike the vehicle, and the vehicle’s surface materials.

So, what does a hail damaged car look like? Typically, it will have the following types of damage to its exterior:

• Dents on the vehicle’s hood, roof, trunk, and sides may vary in size and depth.
• There may be cracks and chips on the windows, windshield, or mirrors.
• Chipped or scratched vehicle paint could expose the underlying metal, making it vulnerable to rust and corrosion.

How to Detect Hail Damage

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Hail damage on your car may not always be obvious, especially if the damage is minor or located in less visible areas. That’s why it’s always important to inspect your car closely after a hail storm. Checking your vehicle under bright, direct light can help highlight any dents or scratches that are difficult to see in normal light.

The following steps can make it easier to identify hail damage:

1. Inspect the Car Visually

Carefully inspect the exterior, paying close attention to the hood, roof, trunk, and sides, looking for noticeable dents, cracks, or chips.

2. Feel for Damage

Run your hands over the body, feeling for irregularities, such as dents or bumps missed in the visual inspection.

3. Check for Broken Glass

Look at all the windows, mirrors, and the windshield for cracks or chips.

4. Get It Professionally Inspected

If you’re unsure about the extent of the damage, consider taking your vehicle to a professional auto body shop for a thorough assessment.

How to File an Insurance Claim for Hail Damage

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if your vehicle has sustained hail damage, you should file an insurance claim immediately. This can help cover the cost of repairs and restore your car to its pre-damage condition. However, to ensure you receive adequate compensation, you need to be able to navigate the claims process properly.

The following steps can help streamline the process, enabling you to get your vehicle repaired swiftly and efficiently.

1. Document the Damage

Take detailed photos of your damaged car, noting the date and time of the hailstorm. Make sure to take shots from multiple angles, highlighting the extent of the damage. This provides clear evidence of all the hail damage, helping to document your claim.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

Get in touch with your insurance company asap to report the hail damage. They will guide you through the claims process and inform you about what forms to fill, additional documentation requirements, etc.

3. Understand Your Insurance Policy

Read your auto insurance policy carefully, understanding the deductible and other potential out-of-pocket expenses. Depending on the type of insurance you have, you may have to pay a deductible before your insurance coverage applies. So be prepared to pay for this. If you’re unsure of anything, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance providers.

4. Schedule an Inspection

To assess the extent of the damage, most insurance companies will ask you to visit a local repair shop. Be present during the inspection, making sure to point out all damaged areas and discuss the necessary repairs.

5. Acquire Repair Estimates

Get a repair estimate from a reliable auto body shop to determine the cost of repairs. Your insurance company may give you a list of repair shops you can visit, or they may ask you to get estimates from multiple shops.

If your car has acquired extensive hail damage, your auto insurance company will determine whether it’s economical to fix it. If the cost of repairs surpasses a certain threshold, it could get labeled as ‘totaled’.

What happens if my car is totaled by hail damage?

The insurance company will consider aspects such as the age of your car and pre-existing damage to determine its value before the hailstorm. In most cases, vehicle owners receive a check for that amount minus the deductible.

6. Schedule Repairs

Once your claim has been approved, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Find a qualified auto body shop that specializes in hail damage repairs. This ensures high-quality repairs with a faster turnaround time.

7. Communicate During the Process

Stay in touch with your insurance company during the entire process. This helps track the progress of your claim and ensures it’s processed promptly. Remember to keep records of all communications, including phone calls and emails.

Your Hail Damage Repairing Options

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After your car has been damaged in a hailstorm, you have a few repair options. Depending on the extent of the damage, a repair specialist may recommend:

• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

PDR is a popular, cost-effective method for repairing minor to medium-sized dents. It’s effective for damage where the paint is not cracked or chipped. The technique involves using specialized tools to gently push and massage the dents from the underside of the vehicle’s panels, preserving the original paint finish.

• Traditional Auto Body Repair

For more severe damage, traditional auto body repair methods may be necessary. This can involve sanding, filling, and repainting the damaged areas. While this method can restore the vehicle’s appearance, it is typically more expensive and time-consuming than PDR.

So, what is the average cost to repair hail damage on a car? ( I know you’ve been thinking about this question from the beginning.)

The average cost of hail damage repairs can vary depending on the severity and extent of the damage. But generally, PDR is typically less expensive than extensive damage requiring traditional auto body repair methods. However, it’s best to consult a hail repair specialist for an accurate estimate.

Over to You

Understanding “What is hail damage” is crucial for all vehicle owners, especially those in regions prone to severe weather. It can help you deal with the insurance claims process and select the right repair option. However, partnering with a hail damage specialist like Rapid Auto Hail Repair can make the entire journey even easier.

At Rapid Auto Hail Repair, we do more than offer comprehensive auto repair services. Our team helps car owners navigate through the insurance process, ensuring a hassle-free repair experience. For more details about how we can help, speak to one of our company representatives.