Hail damage can definitely devalue your car, especially if it’s severe. The good news is that there are options available to repair the damage, and in some cases, your insurance may cover the cost. If you’re concerned about hail damage, the best course of action is to be prepared and informed. Here are some facts to keep in mind:
- Hail damage is most common during severe thunderstorms.
- The size of the hailstone can range from pea-sized to golf ball-sized.
- Hailstones can cause serious damage to your car, including dents, fractures, and windshield damage.
- The severity of the damage depends on the size of the hailstone and the speed at which it hits your car.
- There are a few options for repairing hail damage, including paintless dent repair, which is often the most effective and least expensive option.
But at what cost? This a question most people ask. Hail damage to your car is never a fun situation. You can expect added vehicle maintenance costs, depreciation of your vehicle, and downtime leading to other added expenses. But with some of these tips and tricks from an industry expert, you can make this frustrating situation work out in your favor with less downtime and fewer expenses.
How much does it cost to fix hail damage?
The cost of hail damage repairs depends on the severity of the damage. However, if the damage is more severe, you’ll likely need to take your car to a professional for repairs. The cost of professional hail damage repairs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the extent of the damage.
The 5 Most Costly Mistakes People Make When Dealing With Hail Damage on Their Car
1. Not Filing an Insurance Claim
If you have comprehensive insurance, your policy should cover hail damage. However, you will likely have to pay a deductible, and your rates may go up after filing a claim. If you don’t have comprehensive insurance or your policy doesn’t cover hail damage, you’ll have to pay for repairs out of pocket.
2. Filing a Claim With the Wrong Insurance Company
If you have more than one insurance policy, make sure you file your hail damage claim with the right company. For example, if you have a homeowners policy and a separate auto policy, you would file your hail damage claim under your auto policy.
3. Not Getting More Than One Estimate
When it comes to hail damage repairs, you should always get more than one estimate. This will ensure you’re getting the best possible price for repairs. You can get estimates from a few different body shops or, if you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance company may have a list of preferred providers.
4. Not Checking for Hidden Damage
Hail damage can sometimes be hidden, so it’s important to have a professional inspect your car for any hidden damage. This is especially important if you plan on selling your car or trading it in. Hidden damage can devalue your car and cause problems down the road.
5. Not Taking Care of Repairs Right Away
If you wait too long to get hail damage repairs, the damage can become worse and more expensive to fix. It’s important to have repairs done as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.
These are just a few of the most costly mistakes people make when dealing with hail damage.
Why should you repair hail damage?
There are a few reasons why you should repair hail damage, even if it seems like a minor issue. First, hail damage can cause problems with your car’s paint job. If the paint is chipped or cracked, it can lead to rust and other problems. Second, hail damage can affect the value of your car. If you plan on selling or trading in your car, hail damage can significantly reduce its value. Finally, if you don’t repair hail damage, it may void your warranty.
How can you prevent hail damage?
There are a few things you can do to prevent hail damage. First, if you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, you should consider getting comprehensive insurance for your car. This will cover the cost of repairs if your car is damaged by hail. You can also park your car in a garage or under a carport to protect it from the elements. Finally, if you know a severe storm is coming, you can try to find a safe place to park your car until the storm passes.
Common misconceptions about Vehicle Hail Repair
People Think: “It’s only super light hail damage, I can hardly see it… it’s probably only a few hundred dollars in damage, so I don’t think I’ll worry about it.”
Worry about it! Light hail damage can easily turn into big hail damage. Small dents act like little cups that hold water. When water freezes inside the dent, it expands and creates a larger dent. So, the moral of the story is: if you can see hail damage, get it fixed as soon as possible!
People Think: “I have full coverage insurance, so the insurance company will just write me a check for a new car.”
Wrong! Most insurance companies consider hail damage to be “cosmetic” and will only offer you the actual cash value of your car, minus your deductible. So, if your car is totaled by hail, you could be left owing thousands of dollars on a car that you can’t even drive.
People Think: “I think I’ll wait until hail season is over before I get it fixed… in case it hails again.”
“If I see hail damage on my car, the first thing I should do is call my insurance company and file a claim, then do what they tell me.”
Wrong! Insurance companies often have long waiting periods for hail damage claims, so it’s best to get your car repaired as soon as possible. And, most insurance companies will only cover repairs if they are done by a certified body shop.
People Think: “If I file a claim for hail damage, they’re going to raise my premium, and it’s just not worth it.”
However, raising your rates is not automatic. Insurance companies look at many factors when determining rates, and one claim for hail damage will not cause your rates to go up. In fact, if you have a good driving record and no claims, you may even get a discount for filing a hail damage claim.
Ready for an Expert to take a look?
Contact Universal Hail Solutions serving North Texas in Forth Worth, Saginaw, Haslet, and the surrounding areas. Our dent and repair specialists will make your experience as smooth as possible by focusing on better-than-average turnaround times, deductible assistance programs, and a schedule that ensures we keep your car only as long as we have to! Contact us today at 832-898-7024.
