Hailstorms can strike without warning, leaving significant damage in their wake. Even though you’ve read a lot about how detrimental they can be to a car’s appearance, seeing the dents, shattered glass, and chipped paint can be overwhelming.
Unfortunately, there is no rewind button to undo the damages. However, acting wisely can prevent further harm, save money, and expedite repairs. This guide outlines the immediate steps you should take after a storm to navigate the aftermath effectively.
1. Stay Safe and Assess the Situation
Your priority after any storm should be safety, so ensure you’re not in immediate danger. If you’re outside during the hailstorm, take cover in a safe location, such as a parking garage or under a sturdy structure.
Once the storm has passed, it’s time to assess the extent of the damage. Walk around your car and check for visible signs such as:
- Dents on the body, roof, hood, and trunk
- Cracked or shattered windows
- Broken side mirrors or lights
- Chips in the paint
But sometimes, it can be hard to see the dents, especially the small ones. So, you may need to run your hand over the surface and feel for slight irregularities that might have been missed during the visual inspection.
2. Document the Damage
Detailed documentation is essential for insurance claims, providing evidence of the damage before any repairs are made. Take clear photos from multiple angles, capturing every dent and crack. Don’t forget to photograph the roof, hood, and any damaged windows or mirrors.
Additionally, create a written list of affected areas. This helps ensure nothing is overlooked when seeking estimates for repairs. Moreover, the detailed documentation speeds up the claims process and ensures you receive adequate compensation.
3. Report the Damage to Your Insurance Provider
Once the documentation is complete, contact your insurance provider. And the sooner you do that, the better. Many comprehensive car insurance policies cover hail damage, but the process can vary depending on your coverage. So, review your policy carefully. If you have trouble understanding the details, such as the deductible and what types of repairs are covered, speak to your insurance provider.
Now, it’s time to submit a formal claim with your insurance company. Some insurers have mobile apps that make this process faster. But no matter how you file, include evidence of the damage and all relevant information. This helps streamline and speed up the claims process.
4. Schedule a Professional Inspection
While it’s important to assess the visible damage to your car personally, it’s equally crucial to have it inspected by a professional. Not all hail damage is apparent to the untrained eye, but an expert can detect them immediately. Moreover, hail can cause more than just surface dents. A trained technician can identify hidden structural damage, such as cracks in the frame, misaligned components, or compromised safety features. The inspection also helps prioritize the necessary repairs and prevent additional damage.
Besides this, many insurance companies require a formal inspection before approving a claim. They may send an insurance adjuster or recommend auto body repair shops in your area to inspect the damages. A professional inspection ensures all hail damage is thoroughly documented, speeding up the claims process and helping you get the most out of your insurance coverage.
5. Find the Right Repair Shop
Hail damage repair often requires specialized techniques to restore a car to its pre-damaged condition. However, not all body shops have technicians trained in these advanced methods. Going to an inexperienced shop can result in subpar repairs or even further damage to your vehicle.
Search for a repair facility with the expertise, equipment, and certifications to handle hail damage properly. For instance, if you are looking for hail car repair in Texas or another state where hail storms are a common occurrence, prioritize the following factors:
- Specialization in hail damage: Ensure that the shop you select has experience with hail damage repair.
- Certifications: Check whether the shop has certified technicians to guarantee professional service.
- Insurance partnerships: Some repair shops partner with insurance companies, making the claims process smoother.
- Warranty: Opt for a shop that offers a warranty on the repair work.
6. Understand Your Repair Options
Depending on the extent of the damage, the repair technician will suggest the right repair method to restore your car. Understanding your options ensures you make the best decision based on the type of damage and your budget.
Some common repair options include:
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a popular hail damage repair method to fix small to medium-sized dents. It uses specialized tools to gently push the dents from behind the car’s body panels.
When to use PDR: This method works best for minor dents when the paint is intact. It’s fast, cost-effective, and helps preserve your car’s factory finish. However, if the damage is too deep, the paint has chipped, or the dent is near the edge of a panel, traditional repairs may be required.
Traditional Dent Repair
Traditional dent repair is the ideal solution when there is extensive damage to the car. This method involves sanding down the damaged area, filling the dents with body filler, and repainting the affected panels.
When to use traditional repair: Severe dents and cracks in body panels often require traditional methods. However, these repairs are typically more expensive than PDR because they involve more labor and materials.
Windshield and Glass Repair
If hail has cracked or shattered your windshield or other windows, replace them immediately. However, small cracks or chips can often be repaired with epoxy resin.
7. Don’t Delay Repairs
It might be tempting to put off repairs, especially if the damage seems minor or you’re juggling a busy schedule. However, delaying hail damage repair can lead to bigger problems down the line, such as:
- Rust and corrosion: If the hail has chipped your car’s paint, the exposed metal can start to rust over time, leading to more extensive repairs.
- Lower resale value: Hail damage can significantly reduce your vehicle’s resale or trade-in value. A buyer or dealership will offer a lower price if your car is visibly damaged.
- Worsening damage: Minor damage can escalate with additional weather exposure. For example, cracks in the windshield may spread or deepen with further temperature changes.
- Insurance issues: Delaying repairs can complicate the insurance claims process. Some policies have time limits for filing and completing repairs, which could result in a denial of coverage. Furthermore, if your car is involved in an accident, any pre-existing damage will not be covered.
Final Words of Advice
Dealing with hail damage can be a stressful experience, but taking immediate action can protect your car from further damage and keep you safe. The steps mentioned above can help you navigate post-hail damage effectively.
However, the key is to protect your car from future hail damage. While you can’t control the weather, you can minimize the risks. So stay informed about severe weather alerts, and move your car to a sheltered location if a hailstorm is predicted. Additionally, park your car in a garage or under a sturdy carport whenever possible to protect it from hail. If you don’t have access to a garage, use a car cover. The heavy-duty material can protect your car from minor hail. Being proactive reduces the likelihood of hail damage, saving you time and money.
