Damaged Car? 6 Steps to Take if Your Vehicle Is Damaged by Hail

Hail Can Wreak Havoc on Your Car—Here’s What to Do Next

Hailstorms can be terrifying, leaving behind a trail of destruction that affects everything from your roof to your car. If your vehicle was caught in a storm without protection, you might be dealing with dents, broken windows, and paint damage.

So, what should you do now? Fixing a hail-damaged car involves working with insurance providers, choosing the right auto hail repair shop, and understanding your repair options. Read on to discover the six essential steps you should take to restore your vehicle.

Dangers of Hail Damage

Before we dive into the steps for repairing hail damage, it’s important to understand just how severe this damage can be.

1. Dents and Dings on Your Car’s Surface

The most visible sign of hail damage is small to large dents covering the body of your car. These are more than just cosmetic flaws—leaving them unrepaired can impact your car’s resale value.

👉 Need professional help? Visit our Auto Hail Repair page for expert services.

2. Cracked or Shattered Windshields and Windows

Hailstones can be large and hit with force, leading to:

• Chipped or shattered windshields
• Broken side windows
• Compromised visibility

If your windshield is damaged, it’s critical to get it repaired ASAP to avoid further cracking or water leaks inside your car.

‍Related service: Windshield Protection

‍3. Water Damage and Mold Risks

‍Once your windows or roof sustain cracks, rainwater can seep in, creating mold, mildew, and even damaging the electrical system inside your car.

🚗 Protect your car’s interior with Ceramic Coating, which can add an extra layer of protection against environmental damage.

4. Rust and Long-Term Structural Damage

Even small dents can compromise your car’s paint protection, leading to:

• Rust formation
• Corrosion
• Structural weakening

Getting paintless dent repair (PDR) quickly is key to preventing long-term damage. Learn about our PDR Services.

6 Steps to Take After Hail Damages Your Car

1. Take Pictures

If your car has been damaged by hail, the first thing you should do is document the damage with clear and detailed pictures. Your insurance provider will require evidence of the hail damage, including how the vehicle looked immediately after the storm. This will help ensure that all damage is accounted for and not mistaken for prior incidents.

As soon as it is safe to do so, go outside and take pictures of your car from multiple angles:

• Capture wide shots that show the entire vehicle.
• Take close-up images to document the size and depth of the dents.
• If your windshield or windows are cracked, photograph the damage before cleaning up.

This photographic evidence will be crucial when filing your claim.

‍2. Contact Your Insurance Provider

‍Once you have documented the hail damage, reach out to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Hailstorms are often widespread, meaning insurers may receive a high volume of claims after a storm. The sooner you start the process, the quicker you can get your claim approved and begin repairs.

When speaking with your insurer, ask the following:

• What are the next steps for filing a claim?
• Does an adjuster need to inspect the vehicle before repairs?
• Will my policy cover a rental car during the repair process?

Some insurance companies may require an in-person damage assessment, so you may need to wait before cleaning or moving your vehicle.

‍3. File a Claim

‍If your insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, hail damage repairs should be covered. However, if you only carry liability coverage, you may need to pay for repairs out of pocket.Most insurers now have mobile apps that allow you to:

• Upload photos of the damage.
• Submit estimates and invoices for repairs.
• Track your claim status.

If your insurer does not have a digital platform, reach out to your local insurance agent for assistance in filing your claim. They will inform you of any deductibles that apply and provide further instructions on how to proceed.For more information about hail damage repair estimates, visit PDR Estimates.

‍4. Clean Your Car

‍If your insurer has already documented the damage or does not require their own photos, you can begin the clean-up process.Immediate Steps to Protect Your Vehicle:

• Cover any broken windows or windshields to prevent water damage.
• Remove shattered glass from the interior to avoid injuries.
• Dry out any moisture inside the car to prevent mold and mildew.

It is also a good idea to wash your car before taking it in for an estimate. Dirt and debris can obscure smaller dents and scratches, making it harder for repair technicians to assess the full extent of the damage.For more information on professional auto detailing and paint protection, visit Ceramic Coating Services.

‍5. Get an Estimate

‍Once your insurance claim is in process, you will need a repair estimate to determine the cost of fixing the damage. Contact a reputable hail damage repair shop to schedule an inspection.

During this process:

• The technician will assess paint damage, dents, and structural issues.
• They will determine whether Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is an option.
• The repair estimate will be sent to your insurance provider if required.

What If Your Car Is Totaled?

‍In some cases, hail damage may be so severe that the cost of repairs exceeds the actual cash value of your vehicle. If this happens, your insurer may declare your car a total loss.You still have options:

• Accept the insurance payout and purchase a new vehicle.
• Choose to keep the car and pay for repairs out of pocket.
• Look for aftermarket repair solutions to reduce costs.

For professional hail damage assessments, visit Auto Hail Repair.

‍6. Schedule Your Repair

‍Once your insurance claim is approved, it’s time to schedule your repair. Hail damage repair times can vary depending on severity and shop availability, but in most cases, repairs take one to three days.

‍Plan for Transportation:

• If your policy includes rental coverage, arrange for a rental car.
• Consider ridesharing or borrowing a car if your repairs will take longer.

Why Choose Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)?For minor to moderate hail damage, Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is the most effective and affordable solution. PDR removes dents without repainting your vehicle, preserving its original finish and resale value.Learn more about Paintless Dent Repair Services.

‍Start Fixing Your Hail-Damaged Car

‍Dealing with hail damage can feel overwhelming, but by following these six steps, you can navigate the process with confidence.

• Take photos before cleaning or moving your car.
• Contact your insurance provider to begin the claims process.
• File your claim and submit all required documentation.
• Clean your car and cover any broken windows.
• Get an estimate to determine repair costs.
• Schedule your auto hail repair and restore your vehicle to pre-storm condition.

Take the next step today.

Get your free hail damage estimate at PDRTX Smart Auto Repair.