Fixing Hail Damage On a Car: Is It Worth It?

Written by: Wrecktify

Common Hail Damage Repairs & What They Cost

As we said earlier in this piece, hail damage can range from minor dents on the vehicle's body to cracks and broken windows. The severity of the damage depends on how large the hail is and how long it falls. That said, repairs can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $10,000.

The good news about hail damage repair is that it should be covered by your comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage is coverage for any damage your vehicle sustained that wasn't in an accident. We'll get to more of this later.

Paintless Dent Repair

If your vehicle's body is dented up following a hail storm, it may qualify for paintless dent repair. Known for being as fast as it is affordable, paintless dent repair involves a technician using special tools to essentially massage the dent out and restore the vehicle's body back to its original condition. It involves technicians working from the back side of the dent, which may involve the removal of some panels and other parts to allow access.

While paintless dent repair is ideal for vehicles that have been dented, it cannot be performed in spots where the paint is chipped or cracked.

Preventing Hail Damage

In a perfect world, you don't need to ever have your vehicle repaired due to damage it sustained during inclement weather. While it's not always possible to avoid weather damage, some tips to prevent hail damage include:

• Park your vehicle in a garage or covered area when inclement weather is forecast.
• Cover your car with blankets or covers if you're unable to find covered parking.
• Place plywood on your roof rack so it covers as much of your car as possible.
• Fold your side mirrors in toward the vehicle.
  

As we said earlier in this post, if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto policy, then the answer is typically "yes." Comprehensive coverage covers any damage to your vehicle that's not the result of an auto accident. So, for instance, if you inadvertently hit a deer or other animal while driving, comprehensive coverage would cover the cost of repair. Theft, vandalism, and storm damage are also fully covered after meeting your deductible. The deductible is the amount of money that you'll have to pay before your policy covers repairs.

Comprehensive coverage is often required if you're leasing or financing a vehicle. However, if you own a vehicle, you may elect to drop this coverage and save on your annual premiums. Generally speaking, if your vehicle still holds significant resale value, you should keep comprehensive coverage on it. Such coverage essentially means damage to your vehicle is covered in any scenario.

Is Your Car Totaled?

Though rare, hail damage can completely total a vehicle if the hailstones are large enough and fall for long enough. A car is often considered "totaled" when it's either not safe to repair or when the cost to repair the vehicle is greater than the value of the vehicle. However, the definition of "totaled" varies by state. In some states, vehicles are considered totaled when the damage is more than 75 percent of the vehicle's market value. Other states allow the insurance company to make a judgment call based on value and the repair estimate.



It's estimated that up to 14 percent of all vehicles following an accident are declared "totaled." Data on totaled vehicles stemming from weather incidents is a bit more unclear, but the potential is there.

Will Insurance Cover a Total?

Yes, as long as you have automotive insurance, you will receive a payout for the value of your vehicle if it's considered totaled. How much will your payout be? It depends on the vehicle's actual cash value, or ACV. This is defined by your vehicle's current market value before it was damaged and accounts for variables such as its age, overall condition, mileage, potential resale value, and the value of comparable vehicles in your area.



The ACV can be considered a subjective metric, so it is possible to negotiate a higher amount with your insurance company. To do so, you'll be required to provide more specific information about your vehicle and its value to the insurance company to make your case. In many situations, the insurance adjuster's first offer is not an ideal settlement. Negotiating can help secure an amicable payout. The automotive service center that you have your vehicle at can also play a significant role in helping with a better payout.

Find an Expert

So is it worth fixing hail damage on a car? As we said in the intro, in most cases, the answer is "yes." But it can be easier said than done to find a credible, qualified service center to address hail damage effectively. That's where the experts at Wrecktify Collision enter the picture. Contact us today for more information on our hail damage repair services and to schedule a service appointment today.