Even in a storm, hail can really batter your vehicle. Hail caused approximately 735,000 individual auto claims from 2017 to 2019 and approximately 245,000 claims per year on average. In the United States, where 3.5 million cars are struck by hail each year, repair knowledge is a must for all drivers.
Understanding Hail Damage Impact
Hail damage isn’t just bad looks – it can destroy the structural integrity and value of your car. New data indicates that hail losses rose as much as 24.5% in some states following severe weather disruptions, and hail accounted for 50%-80% of losses due to severe convective storms.
The level of damage depends on many factors:
- Hailstone size and density
- Storm duration and intensity
- Vehicle material composition
- Existing vehicle condition
Professional Assessment Steps
A detailed evaluation is imperative prior to repairs. Professional auto body workers have a methodical process for evaluating hail damage. In repairing hail damage, experts typically start with:
1. Initial Visual Inspection
- Examine under bright lighting
- Check multiple angles
- Document all damage points
2. Damage Classification
- Bright: A few scuffs, no paint chips.
- Low: More massive dents, potential paint chips.
- Extreme: Massive dent, ripped paint, structural issues.
3. Repair Method Selection
- PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) test
- Traditional body work assessment
- Paint repair requirements
Common Repair Methods
Contemporary hail damage repair often uses a number of methods depending on severity:
1. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
It is the new standard for hail damage repair if used. PDR practitioners deploy tools to:
- Access scratches from the back panels.
- Gently hammer metal to the original finish.
- Preserve factory paint finish.
- Maintain vehicle value.
2. Traditional Body Work
In cases more severe where PDR is not appropriate:
- Panel replacement
- Body filler application
- Primer and paint matching
- Clear coat finishing
3. Advanced Techniques
- LED light boards for fine work.
- Specialized glue-pulling systems
Insurance Considerations
If you have hail damage, it’s important to know what your insurance covers. As insured storm damage amounts to an average of $17 billion in the US each year due to convective storms, it’s important to know your policy details. In 2017-2019, Texas had the most hail claims (637 977), Colorado had 380 066, Nebraska had 161 374, Minnesota had 150 673, and Illinois had 150 416.
Key insurance factors to consider:
- Comprehensive coverage requirements
- Deductible amounts
- Claim filing deadlines
- Coverage limitations
- Rental car provisions
Home Repair vs. Pro Shop Repairs: Which Is Better?
Most motorists ask whether they can fix hail damage on their vehicles if they encounter it. DIY projects can appear to be affordable, but in reality, it can end up costing you even more. What you need to think about:
Professional Repair Benefits
- Experienced technicians
- Factory-approved techniques
- Warranty protection
- Insurance claim assistance
DIY Limitations
- Lack of specialized equipment
- Risk of additional damage
- No warranty protection
- Potential for resale price loss
- Hard to obtain spare parts.
Understanding Repair Costs
How much hail damage repair costs depends on a lot of different aspects. Hail accounts for almost 735,000 individual auto claims between 2017 and 2019, and car owners have become mindful of the expense of fixing it. Key cost factors include:
Primary Cost Factors
- Extent of damage
- Vehicle make and model
- Repair method required
- Geographic location
Average Cost Ranges
- Minor damage: $1,000-$3,000
- Moderate damage: $3,000-$7,000
- Injuries: $7,000+ (potential total damage)
The insurance companies will call the car a total loss if the repairs cost over 70-80% of the car’s value. This is particularly pertinent in regions such as South Dakota and Wyoming, which have experienced significant hail loss increases, 24.5% and 24% higher losses respectively in the past several quarters.
Prevention and Protection Strategies
With more than 40% of Americans living in climate-influenced extreme weather counties in 2021, hail damage to your car has never been more vital. Here are essential preventive measures:
Immediate Protection Methods
- Reserve covered parking where possible.
- Construct a carport or mobile home.
- Make rainproof car covers available.
- Track weather warnings and alerts.
- Prepare an emergency plan.
Long-term Prevention
- Build a permanent covered building.
- Check out hailproof car storage solutions.
- Maintain comprehensive insurance coverage.
- Write down the status of your car every few years.
- Be updated about extreme weather trends.
Emergency Response Guide
In a hailstorm, acting fast can keep damage to a minimum. Follow these emergency procedures:
Immediate Actions
- Seek covered shelter immediately.
- Drive with a vehicle to minimize impact.
- Keep a sheet or mat on the floor for temporary shelter.
- Don’t drive on freeways and intersections.
- Record the incident by recording photos and videos.
Keep in mind hail contributes between 50 and 80 percent of the damage from heavy convective storms, according to some recent research. You will be less likely to be included in these statistics if you have an adequate emergency plan in place.
Post-Repair Maintenance Tips
Once you have your hail-damaged car fixed, maintenance is essential to keeping it lasting and preserving your investment. Here’s what experts recommend:
Regular Inspection Schedule
- Paint and clear coat inspections every 6 weeks.
- Quarterly professional assessments.
- Seasonal protective treatment applications.
- Documentation of any changes.
- Diagnosis of novel damage early.
Paint and Surface Care
- Wash with pH-neutral car wash products.
- Apply quality wax protection.
- Keep ceramic coating on if used.
- Address scratches promptly.
- Keep surfaces clean and covered.
Expert Recommendations
Auto body experts will make sure you remember some important things regarding hail damage repair:
Choosing a Repair Shop
- Research reputation and reviews
- Verify certifications and training
- Check warranty offerings
- Examine past repair examples
- Confirm insurance partnerships
Quality Indicators
- Factory-certified technicians
- Modern equipment and facilities
- Detailed documentation practices
- Clear communication processes
- Satisfaction guarantees
Future-Proofing Your Vehicle
In the face of climate change, the risk of hail damage on your vehicle is getting greater and higher. Consider these long-term solutions:
Structural Protection
- Permanent covered parking solutions
- Home garage modifications
- Weather-resistant portable shelters
- Strategic parking location selection
- Keep detailed records
Long-term Considerations
- Update insurance coverage regularly
- Install permanent protection
- Monitor weather patterns
- Maintain repair documentation
- Plan for future improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hail damage restoration take?
It depends on the extent of the damage and the type of repair selected. PDR takes 1-3 days for small damage, and bodywork takes 1-2 weeks for moderate to severe damage.
Am I charged more on my insurance if I file a hail damage claim?
All the insurance companies treat hail damage as an “Act of God” and do not raise a claim. Yet multiple claims in a short amount of time could affect your premium.
Can I Drive with Hail Damage on my Car?
This damage typically does not result in decreased driveability, but have your car checked out by an expert to make sure there’s no structural damage posing a safety risk.
What if my car is deemed a total loss?
Damage costing more than 70-80% of your car’s value can result in insurance rejecting your car as a total loss. You’ll typically pay the cash value less your deductible.