Hail Damage On Your Car? Here’s How Much Repairs Cost

in Ownership
hail on the ground

Photo by Cody A on Unsplash

There’s nothing worse than experiencing a hailstorm and realizing your vehicle is right in the middle of the damage. If your car has experienced severe damage from hail, you will need to get it repaired. How much does it cost to fix hail damage on a car?

Read on to learn more about the cost of repair for hail damage on your car. Although you can leave it alone, it’s best to get the weather damage fixed as soon as possible for the best driving experience. You never know how deep the issues go. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!

How Much Does it Cost to Repair Hail Damage?

Hail damage can be a costly expense. According to unitedhailpros.com, the average cost to repair a car damaged by hail is $2,500. Each dent can cost $30-$75. Those will add up fast. Insurance can help with the price, but it won’t come in handy if you have tiny dents all over the surface.

Damage from hail can range from mild to severe. It could form dents, chip the paint, or shatter glass components. The location of the damage can impact the cost. Let’s discuss a few common factors that can alter the price next.


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What Factors Can Affect Up the Cost?

It can be expensive to handle any hail damage, but some factors can make some hail repairs cost more than others. Let’s discuss a few items that could drive up the price to fix your vehicle after a storm. 

Here are a few factors that can increase the cost of hail repairs according to stormwisehailrepair.com:

  • Paintless dent repair: Dents that don’t need additional paint won’t cost as much.
  • Necessary paint: Some dents need paint - and will drive up the cost for the additional touch.
  • Depth of dent: The deeper and wider the dent, the higher the price.
  • The number of dents: The more dents, the higher the cost.
  • Accessibility: Hard-to-access dents will cost more.

These can drive the cost up (or down).

Take these into consideration when determining an estimate for your hail repair. The price will also depend on where the procedure happens and how long it takes to complete.

How to Locate Hail Damage on a Car

If hail occurs and your car is in the open, it’s critical to examine the vehicle to see if there is any hail damage on your car. However, some hail damage can be less clear than in other versions. How do you locate hail damage on a car?

According to statefarm.com, here are some ways to locate hail damage on a car:

  • Large or small dents on the top of the vehicle
  • Water damage inside the vehicle if glass breaks
  • Chipped or cracked windshields, windows, and mirrors
  • Missing or loose side mirrors
  • Stuck or jammed doors

These indicate hail damage.

Sometimes, hail damage isn’t apparent until you try to interact with your vehicle after a storm. Ensure you check all areas to catch damage that would be easy to miss. It’s best to get it taken care of as soon as possible to prevent further issues.


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Can You Repair Hail Damage Yourself?

It can be costly to repair hail damage yourself. If you want to save money, you might wonder - can you repair hail damage on your car yourself, or is it necessary to take it to a professional?

If you feel confident in your ability to work with cars, it’s possible to repair hail damage yourself. According to familyhandyman.com, here are a few ways to fix dents:

  • Heat and cool: Heat with a small heating tool, then utilize dry ice to shrink the metal back in place. This method could damage the paint.
  • Utilize push tools: Levers that slide under the vehicle and push it back into its spot.
  • Use pull tools: Adjustable pullers attach to the dent and pull it back into place.

These can be effective.

If you have paint damage, it might be trickier to repair everything. You can pull the dents out, but you might need to see a professional to get a new paint job.


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How Can You Protect a Car from Hail Damage?

Hail damage on your car can be a hassle, whether you get it fixed by a professional or yourself. You might wonder - is it possible to protect your vehicle from hail damage if you don’t have it parked inside a garage? What defense can you try?

According to progressive.com, a few of the best ways to protect a vehicle from hail include:

  • Thick blankets
  • A hail car cover
  • Parking at a local shelter
  • Investing in a covered area

There are many options.

If you live in a place that gets hail often, think about investing in a covered tent to go over your car. The protection will be worth the extra expenditure.

What Other Weather Conditions Can Damage Your Car?

We’ve talked a lot about hail. Hail damage on your car is not fun, but are there other weather conditions you need to worry about in the world? What else can harm your vehicle?

According to pittstopdetailandautosales.com, here are other weather conditions that can damage your vehicle:

  • Dirt and dust
  • Sun exposure
  • Salt 
  • Wet weather

These will cost you in repairs.

If you can keep your car in a garage or under a sheet, add this protection for your vehicle. It’s critical to keep your automobile secure in all conditions.

Conclusion

Hail is an inconvenient weather condition, and it can cause damage to exposed vehicles on a driveway. It can cost about $2,500 to repair the damage, or you can get tools and fix the harm yourself. There are plenty of weather conditions to defend your car from outside.

We hope this information was helpful! There are plenty of obstacles to watch out for outside. If you can, try to give your vehicle defense against the weather. Even a thick blanket will work well.



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