Is it Worth Fixing Hail Damage on a Car?

Hailstorms can be a nightmare for car owners, leaving unsightly dents and dings on the surface of the car. A hail-damaged car can make you wonder whether the repair cost is worth it, or if it’s better to live with the damage. In this blog, we will discuss several different factors including, if it’s worth fixing hail damage on a car, estimating the repair costs, and if it’s beneficial to go through insurance or handle the payments out of pocket.

Hail Damage on a Car: What does it Entail?

Hail damage occurs when hailstones of varying size fall on the surface of a car. The body of the car and its windshield suffers dents, cracks, and chips as a result. Although this damage appears to be superficial, it can undermine the resale value and the car’s aesthetic appeal. In extreme scenarios, it can impact the car’s health and its structural integrity. Hail damage on cars can range from tiny dimples to extensive significant dents that can be improved with major repairs.

Evaluating hail damage car repair costs begins with examining the specifics of the damage. The smaller dents might be handled with paintless dent repair, a method where the metal is worked back to its original shape without repainting. Larger dents, however, will require a more complex series of repairs that include sanding and repainting.

How Much Does It Usually Cost to Fix Hail Damage on a Car?

Most car owners have the same question after a hailstorm – how much does it cost to fix hail damage on a car? This varies greatly with the extent of the damage done and the repair method used. The average cost ranges from $150 to $2,500 or more. Other factors such as the car type and the region also come into play when calculating for hail damage repair costs. Repairs for high-end cars are more expensive due to their intricate bodywork and complex premium paint finishes.

In any case, the hail damage repair price is less for smaller and less visible dents. However, if there is significant damage to the car, especially to the roof and windshield, the repair costs are likely to be significantly high.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Repairing Hail Damage

Advantages

1. Enhanced Retained Value: If you traded in or sold the car, fixing the hail damage can help retain the car’s value.
2. Reduced Risk of Damage: Leaving the hail damage unrepaired may make it possible for rust or corrosion to set in, especially if some protective paint is already damaged. Repairing the hail damage will prevent these issues.
3. Restoration of Beauty: If your car is your pride and joy, fixing the repair will help restore its damages.

Disadvantages

1. Repairing Cost: Repairing hail damage isn’t always a cost-effective task, especially when trying to sell or trade the car. In some instances, the damage repair cost exceeds the worth of the car.
2. Workload: Dealing with insurance and scheduling appointments with repair shops adds to the workload, which can be time consuming.
3. Insurance Premiums: If the cost of repair is claimed through insurance, it can lead to an increase in future premiums.

Is It Worth Claiming Hail Damage Through Insurance?

Maybe you’re considering whether it is worth claiming for hail damage on car repairs through insurance. Your deductible and the amount of damage done determines the answer. If the repair costs are lower than your deductible, then it makes more sense to cover the costs out of pocket. On the other hand, if the damage is extensive and will cost significantly more than the deductible, then an insurance claim is more beneficial and worth it.

Many insurance covers comprehensive hail damage car repairs, provided you have hail damage risks covered under your policy. Don’t forget, though, that damaging claims made through insurance will likely increase your premiums down the road.

How Much Value Does a Car Lose with Hail Damage?

The ability of a car to retain value is heavily influenced by hail damage. How much a car loses value is directly proportional to the severity of the damage. With car hail damage, a car’s value may decline up to 10 – 20 percent, depending on the visibility and severity of the damage. Moreover, even if a car runs perfectly, potential buyers tend to avoid purchasing cars that the exterior suggests has hail damage.

If your car gets heavily damaged by hail, it may be wise to repair the damage if you intend to sell or trade it in. However, should the damage be minimal, it is likely more cost effective to not repair the car and keep it as is.

Is Hail Damage Fixable?

In most situations, hail damage repair is fixable. Repairs on hail damage can be made with two principal methods: paintless dent repair (PDR) and conventional body repair. More subtle and smaller dents are better suited with PDR because it is less expensive and preserves the automobile’s original paint. When severe hail damage has been done to the car’s paint or structural components, conventional repairs that involve sanding down, applying body filler, and repainting become necessary.

Can a Car with Hail Damage Be Repaired?

Yes, repairing hail damage on a car is possible. Although it may come in the form of small dents or large damage, there are solutions for every case. PDR is a great option for small damages and is economical. On the other hand, with more severe damage, the car will likely require a comprehensive body repair.

Is It Worth Fixing Hail Damage on a Car If the Car is Older?

If you have an older car that has some minimal hail damage, you probably won’t want to fix it. The resale value of older cars is usually low, and repair costs may surpass what you’d get from selling it. In such situations, it would make more sense to simply ignore the damage and drive the car until it becomes entirely nonfunctional.

How Expensive Is It to Fix Hail Damage on a Car?

When it comes to fixing hail damage, the price can range from $100 to $500 for minor dents. However, if the damage is extensive and requires professional repainting or replacing several components, costs can exceed $2,500. The price breakdown is associated with the size, location, and extent of the damage.

How to Recover from Hail Damage?

Recovering from hail damage requires an evaluation of the damage, deciding if insurance will be claimed, and determining the repair option best suited. It is always best to get multiple quotes for the repairs and evaluate both the cost as well as the time that will be taken to fix the damage. Moreover, if you live in hail-prone areas, then it might be worth it to try to invest in protective covers for vehicles or keeping the car in a garage during storms to minimize damage.

How Can I Cover My Car from Hail Damage?

To avoid future hail damage, make sure you purchase a durable car cover specially made for hail storms. In addition, make it a point to park your car in garages or carports during storms. Some regions also provide hail damage protection services that place soft covers over cars to shield them from hail impact.

FAQs About Hail Damage on Cars

How much does it usually cost to fix hail damage on a car?

The estimated cost for hail damage repair sits between $150 to $2,500 depending on the intensity and type of repairs needed.

How much value does a car lose with hail damage?

The value of a car with hail damage will lose value anywhere between 10 – 20% with regards to the severity of the damage done.

Can a car with hail damage be repaired?

Yes, most of the time hail damage can be fixed either by using paintless dent repair or body repair.

Do cars get totaled for hail damage?

In extreme cases, if damage is too severe, it may be considered total loss and written off.

Is hail damage fixable?

Yes, hail damage is fixable through multiple methods including paintless dent repairs or conventional bodywork.

Is it worth it to claim hail damage on a car?

In situations where the repair cost is lower than the deductible amount, filing a claim is justifiable.

Can you fill hail damage?

For some smaller damage, yes. Larger damage might need more extensive work such as sanding and repainting.

How to recover from hail damage?

To recover, you must evaluate and examine the damages, request estimates from repair shops, and determine whether the insurance will cover the expenses.

Is car hail damage repairable?

Yes, most of the time, hail damage can be fixed using either PDR or conventional repairs.

How expensive is it to fix hail damage on a car?

Repairing damages can be between $150 to $2,500, depending on the extent of the damage.

How can I cover my car from hail damage?

During storms, you can either put your car in a safer place or simply put a specialized hail resistant cover on it.

Conclusion

Hail damage can be quite annoying. Understanding the steps involved and the costs of repair will help you determine if it makes more sense to fix the car or simply look at other options. Always assess the value of the car after evaluating the repair costs to make an informed decision. If you choose to get the professional hail damage repair done, consider selling the car post-repair if that makes financial sense. 

If you’re looking for guidance on cleaning vomit out of your car or questions about its overall condition, feel free to read more to ensure your car is always in great shape, be it after a hailstorm or other tests.