Hail damage—it's one of those things you don’t think about until you see your car covered in dents, dings, and chipped paint. It’s frustrating, unexpected, and, let’s be honest, an eyesore. But can your car ever truly be restored to its original condition? And what should you expect from the repair process? Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
How Bad Is It? The Truth About Hail Damage Severity
Not all hail damage is created equal. Some storms leave behind a few shallow dents, while others can make your car look like a golf ball. The severity of the damage depends on the size of the hailstones, wind speed, and the angle at which they hit your car.
- Minor Damage: If your car has a handful of small dents but no chipped paint, you’re in luck. Paintless dent repair (PDR) can often make it look brand new without a trace of damage.
- Moderate Damage: When there are dozens of dents, and some have affected the paint, a mix of PDR and conventional repairs (like filling and repainting) might be needed.
- Severe Damage: If the hail was particularly vicious—breaking windows, denting the roof heavily, or damaging panels—your insurance might even declare the vehicle a total loss. But if you want to restore it, expect more extensive bodywork.
So, can it be fully restored? In most cases, yes—but it depends on how bad the damage is and how quickly you take action.
The Repair Process: What Happens When You Bring Your Car In?
When you take your car to a collision repair center like Best Auto Body, the process usually starts with an inspection. A technician will assess the extent of the damage and determine the best approach for repairs.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): The Magic Solution
For minor and moderate dents, PDR is often the go-to method. Using specialized tools, technicians gently massage the metal back into shape without disturbing the paint. It’s quick, cost-effective, and preserves your car’s factory finish.
When Traditional Bodywork Is Needed
If the damage is too deep, the paint has cracked, or panels are severely dented, more traditional bodywork is necessary. This can involve:
- Filling dents with body filler
- Sanding and repainting affected areas
- Replacing panels if the damage is beyond repair
While this takes longer than PDR, a skilled body shop can match the paint perfectly, making the car look as good as new.
How Long Will It Take?
The time frame depends on the severity of the damage:
- PDR: Can often be done in a day or two
- Moderate repairs: May take a few days to a week
- Severe repairs: Could take several weeks, especially if parts need to be ordered
What About Insurance? Will They Cover the Costs?
If you have comprehensive insurance, hail damage is typically covered—but there are some things to keep in mind.
- Deductible: You’ll likely need to pay your deductible before your insurance kicks in.
- Claim Process: Insurance adjusters will assess the damage, and you may need to get multiple repair quotes.
- Total Loss Possibility: If repair costs exceed a certain percentage of your car’s value, your insurance might declare it totaled and offer a payout instead.
One tip: Don’t wait too long to file a claim. Some insurance companies have time limits on hail damage claims, and leaving the damage unrepaired for too long can lead to rust, worsening the problem.
Your Car Deserves the Best
So, can hail damage be fully restored? In most cases, yes—especially if you act fast and work with a reputable collision repair center. Whether it’s minor dents that disappear with PDR or more extensive repairs requiring repainting, your car can often return to looking like it did before the storm.
Whether you’re dealing with collision damage, hail dents, or faded paint, we're here to get you back on the road confidently, visit our website at bestautobodyllc.com or call us at (612) 272-7822. Because your car deserves nothing less than the best.
Let’s keep your car looking as good as the day you bought it.