How to Repair Hail Damage on a Car Quickly and Effectively

Hailstorms can damage your car in minutes. Dents, scratches, and broken glass can appear suddenly. Repairing hail damage quickly keeps your car safe and maintains its value. But how to repair hail damage on a car the right way? In this guide, we will explain how to assess, repair, and prevent damage using simple methods and professional options.

What to Look For When Assessing the Damage

Before you do anything, you need to check your car carefully. Look at it in bright daylight to see all the dents. Here’s what you should look for:

• Size and Depth of Dents: Are the dents small like a pea or big like a golf ball? Deeper dents are harder to fix.
• Paint Condition: Look closely at the paint inside the dent. If it's cracked or chipped, a simple fix won't work. This is the most important thing to check.
• Location of Dents: Dents on flat areas like the roof or hood are easier to deal with. Dents on curved edges or body lines are much trickier.
• Material of the Panel: Some cars, especially luxury ones, have aluminum panels. 

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DIY Hail Damage Repair Methods You Can Try 

You don’t always need a professional to fix minor hail damage. Some dents can be repaired at home with simple tools and a little patience.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a method that removes small dents without damaging your car’s paint. It works best on shallow dents and smooth surfaces.

• Use specialized tools to gently push or pull dents from the inside or outside of the panel.
• Focus on small, shallow dents for best results.
• Work slowly to avoid creating new dents.
• Check frequently to make sure the surface stays smooth.

Suction Cup Dent Pullers

Suction cup dent pullers are easy to use for minor dents. They rely on suction to pull dents back into place.

• Place the suction cup directly over the dent.
• Pull gently and steadily to lift the dent.
• Repeat if necessary, but avoid over-pulling.
• Best for round and shallow dents on flat surfaces.

Boiling Water and Plunger Method

This method works best on plastic bumpers or softer materials. Hot water makes the material flexible so you can reshape it.

• Pour boiling water over the dented area to soften it.
• Use a plunger to push or pull the dent out.
• Work carefully and slowly to avoid burns or cracking.
• Repeat if needed until the dent is smooth.

Dry Ice Technique

The dry ice method uses extreme cold to shrink the metal and pop out small dents.

• Wear protective gloves to handle dry ice safely.
• Rub dry ice over the dented area in small, circular motions.
• The metal contracts quickly and may lift the dent.
• Best for small dents on metal panels in cool temperatures.

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Why Professional Hail Damage Car Repair is the Best Solution

For a flawless finish that protects your car’s value, professional hail damage car repair is the best solution. A trusted shop like Cerna Collision uses the right tools and techniques to get the job done correctly.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

For most automobile hail damage, pros use Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). This technique involves massaging dents from behind the panel, which keeps your car's original paint safe.

Traditional Dent Repair

If the paint is cracked or a dent is too deep, a traditional repair is the solution. The process involves sanding, filling, and repainting the area to ensure a perfect match.

Dealing with Insurance

Your comprehensive insurance likely covers hail damage. Be sure to find out how long you have to claim hail damage on your car by calling your provider quickly.

What Should Be the Cost Considerations?

Repairing hail damage depends on how severe the damage is and the repair method you choose.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

• Small Dents: Usually cost between $125 and $150 for minor dents around 1 inch in size.
• Larger Dents: For dents about 3 inches, prices can reach around $250.
• Multiple Dents: Many shops offer discounts when repairing several dents on the same vehicle.

Traditional Body Shop Repairs

• Minor Damage: Repairs typically start around $1,000.
• Extensive Damage: Severe hail damage can cost $5,000 or more, depending on the number of dents and paint work required.

Insurance Coverage

Many comprehensive auto insurance policies cover hail damage. The deductible and coverage limits vary, so contact your insurer promptly after the damage occurs to start the claims process.

Conclusion

Understanding how to repair hail damage on a car is about choosing the right method for the damage. If you have questions about your repair options, then speaking with an expert is always a good idea.