Hailstorm Hits? Here’s What Your Car Needs Next

Hailstorms cause significant damage to cars, leaving them dented, windshields cracked, and paint chipped. This kind of damage affects your car’s safety, performance, and resale value. Acting fast after a hailstorm helps limit the damage, whether you’re facing a few small dings or serious body issues.

As per the Insurance Information Institute, last year, the U.S. experienced over 5,000 severe hailstorms that damaged homes, businesses, and vehicles. These storms contribute to more than a billion dollars in damages annually. Experts warn that hail-related destruction may continue to rise, as recent years have seen a noticeable increase in global warming.

According to Yahoo News, severe hailstorms in the United States increased by 21% from 2022 to 2024, leading to rising insurance rates in the hardest hit states. If your car has been affected by hail and you are puzzled about what to do next, you have landed in the right place. This guide outlines the immediate steps, repair options, and how to get your vehicle back on the road faster and smarter.

Assess The Damage

Start by inspecting your car thoroughly in daylight. Common signs of hail damage include dents on the hood, roof, and trunk, broken mirrors, and cracked or shattered glass. Don’t forget to check hidden areas like roof trim, windshield wipers, and headlight covers.

Use your smartphone to take videos of the damaged parts of your car. Walk around the outside of your car with your phone in your hand and capture videos from all angles to show the extent of the damage.

The more photos and videos that you’re able to take, the better shape you’ll be in later. Document everything, as this will be helpful for insurance claims and repair estimates.

Also, ensure a professional evaluates your car to let you know the extent of the damage or signs of internal issues. A smart search for “hail damage car repair near me” will help you find a reliable service offering free inspections and timely repairs.

File Your Insurance Claim the Right Way

Here are simple steps to help you through the process of filing an insurance claim for car hail damage.

• Review Your Insurance Policy
  Start by reading your policy carefully. Check if it covers hail damage, especially under dwelling coverage for roofs, siding, and exterior structures. Coverage terms often vary, so knowing your limits helps avoid surprises.
• Know Your Deductible
  Find out how much you’ll pay before your insurance covers repairs. In hail-prone areas, your policy might include a separate hail deductible, which affects your out-of-pocket costs.
• Take Photos of the Damage
  As soon as it’s safe, take clear photos and videos of all damage. Capture both close-ups and full views to support your insurance claim.
• Get Repair Quotes
  Contact a few licensed contractors for repair estimates. Comparing these with the insurance adjuster’s report ensures your payout matches real repair costs.
• Attend the Adjuster’s Visit
  Be there when the insurance adjuster inspects the damage. Share your documentation and walk them through every issue to help support your claim.

Temporary Fixes While You Wait for Repairs

While waiting for full repairs, protect your vehicle. Cover the cracked glass with clear vinyl or plastic to prevent water leaks. Use touch-up pens to prevent paint chips from worsening. These fixes won’t solve everything, but they protect the vehicle until professionals complete proper restoration.

When to Visit a Hail Damage Repair Specialist

If your car has only a few dents and you choose not to fix the hail damage, you can still drive your car. If you count more than a few small dents, especially on flat surfaces like the hood or trunk, bring your vehicle to a certified hail repair specialist. These repair specialists often perform mobile service, repairing on-site over a few hours or a day.

Choose shops that handle insurance paperwork and guarantee their work. Ask if they reset or realign sensors and cameras integrated into vehicle body panels.

Is Your Car Safe to Drive?

Before you drive, check if any broken glass blocks your view. Make sure it doesn’t look like it might shatter. Tap the headlights and signal lights to see if they feel loose or cracked. Hail can hide weak spots.

Also, look at your tires. Sharp debris might have caused cuts or punctures. Test your brakes and turn signals in a safe, quiet place. Make sure your car is safe and easy to see on the road.

DIY vs. Professional: What’s Best for Hail Damage Repair?

DIY dent kits can handle tiny dents, but they often fail if the metal creases. In contrast, trained technicians use Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) tools and know how to restore dents while preserving your original paint. DIY attempts frequently lead to misaligned bodywork or damaged edges, creating bigger problems than before.

PDR technicians use a method that avoids sanding, filling, or repainting. PDR is an art that maintains the original metal and factory finish.

PDR Technicians also adjust deep dents little by little to match the panel’s natural contour. This method works best on aluminum or steel panels with undamaged paint and provides near-invisible results.

How Much Does Hail Damage Cost?

Repair costs vary based on damage complexity. PDR professionals typically charge per dent. Simple dents take minutes. Severe dents may require hours. If hail shatters a window, replacing it adds to the cost. Vehicle hail damage claims are 26% more costly than other comprehensive claims on average, according to Matt Brannon, data journalist for Insurify.

Choosing the Right Auto Body Shop Post-Hailstorm

Look for a shop that specializes in PDR, offers warranties, and assists you with the insurance process. Ask to see before-and-after galleries and read customer reviews. Confirm they can handle the full restoration, including conventional repair and windshield replacement if needed.

Ensure they check and adjust Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) after repairs, as sensor alignment can shift during dent work.

Protect Your Car from the Next Hailstorm

The best practice is to prepare in advance to avoid any future repairs. If hailstorms are common in your area, consider the following to protect your property.

• Permanent Covered Parking: If you own a car, invest in permanent covered parking. It’s a simple way to shield your vehicle from hail damage.

• Temporary Solutions: If a storm is approaching, use temporary solutions like parking in a garage or covering your car with thick blankets. This can prevent costly damage.

Conclusion

Hailstorms can leave your car with unexpected damage, but knowing what to do next can save time, stress, and money. The most important practice is to consider preventative steps like covered parking and regular insurance reviews to protect your car in future storms. When hail strikes, being prepared ensures your car gets back in top shape without delay.