Oh Hail No! How to Address Vehicle Hail Damage

Hailstorms can be sudden, powerful, and highly destructive. While the sight of ice pellets falling from the sky might seem harmless, hail poses a significant threat to vehicles. From dents to shattered windshields, hail can cause a range of damages that affect both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your car. Let's explore the dangers of hail damage, why it’s important to address it, and what you can do to protect your vehicle.

Physical Damage: Dents, Cracks, and Scratches

Hailstones vary in size, ranging from tiny pebbles to large, golf-ball-sized chunks of ice. The damage they cause depends on their size, speed, and the material they hit. Even smaller hailstones can leave noticeable dents and scratches on your car's body, while larger ones can cause more severe damage, such as:

• Dents: Hailstones often leave noticeable dents on a vehicle’s hood, roof, and trunk. Over time, these dents can weaken the structural integrity of the metal, leading to rust formation if the paint is chipped.
• Cracked Windshields & Windows: Larger hailstones can shatter or crack your windshield, windows, or sunroof. A damaged windshield compromises your ability to see clearly and can also impact the structural integrity of your car in the event of an accident.
• Chipped or Scratched Paint: Hail can easily chip the paint off a vehicle’s surface. This not only impacts the car’s appearance but also exposes the metal to the elements, increasing the risk of rust and corrosion over time.

Hail Damage Can Reduce Vehicle Value

Hail damage, especially if left un-repaired, can significantly reduce your vehicle’s resale value. A vehicle with visible dents, cracked glass, or chipped paint is much less appealing to potential buyers, even if it still runs perfectly fine. In addition to the cosmetic issues, hail damage can signal to potential buyers that the vehicle hasn't been properly maintained, further decreasing its market value.

If you’re planning to sell or trade in your vehicle in the future, it’s important to address hail damage as soon as possible. Repairs can restore both the vehicle’s appearance and its market value, saving you from potential financial loss.

Compromised Safety

While hail damage can be unsightly, it can also pose serious safety risks. A cracked or chipped windshield weakens the structural integrity of the glass, making it more prone to shattering during a collision. A damaged windshield can also impair visibility, making it harder to see the road and other vehicles.

In extreme cases, large hailstones can cause dents that weaken the overall structure of your vehicle’s body. While this may not be immediately obvious, it could lead to further complications during a crash. Hail damage can also affect certain functional components of your vehicle, such as mirrors, sensors, and wiper systems. For example, hail can damage side mirrors or sensors used in modern vehicles for parking assistance and lane departure warnings.

It’s essential to ensure that any safety-related components are thoroughly inspected and repaired after a hailstorm to keep your vehicle in roadworthy condition.

Hail Can Increase the Risk of Rust and Corrosion

One of the long-term dangers of hail damage is the increased risk of rust and corrosion. Even small dents or chips in the paint can expose the metal body of the car to moisture and other environmental elements, leading to rust. Rust weakens the metal over time and can spread, making future repairs more costly and difficult. If left unchecked, rust can also affect the vehicle’s structural integrity and performance.

Rust and corrosion are particularly problematic in regions with harsh winters, where road salt and moisture exacerbate the problem. Repairing hail damage promptly can help you avoid costly repairs down the road and prevent further damage to your vehicle’s body.

The Cost of Hail Damage Repair

Repairing hail damage can be expensive, especially if the damage is extensive. Depending on the severity of the storm and the size of the hailstones, repair costs can vary widely. Common methods of hail damage repair include:

• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): This technique involves massaging the dents out of the vehicle’s body without disturbing the paint. It’s a relatively affordable option for minor dents but may not work for more severe damage.
• Traditional Dent Repair: For larger or deeper dents, traditional bodywork may be required, which can include filling in dents, sanding, and repainting the affected areas.
• Glass Replacement: If hail has cracked or shattered your windshield or windows, you’ll need to have the glass replaced, which can be costly depending on your vehicle's make and model.

Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

In most cases, hail damage is covered under comprehensive auto insurance policies. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for repairs or replacements needed due to weather-related events, such as hailstorms. You will likely need to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in to cover the repair costs. Depending on the extent of the damage, you’ll need to decide whether filing a claim is worth it compared to paying out-of-pocket for minor repairs.

It’s important to document the damage with photos and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the storm. Delaying the claim could lead to complications in the process. If you only carry liability insurance, hail damage will not be covered. Consider adding comprehensive coverage if you live in an area prone to hailstorms or other severe weather events. The good news? Your Metro Motor service technician will guide you through the process of documenting and filing an insurance claim.

How to Protect Your Vehicle from Hail Damage

Preventing hail damage is often the best strategy, but it can be difficult to predict when and where a hailstorm will occur. Here are some tips to help protect your vehicle:

• Park in a Garage or Covered Area: If possible, park your car in a garage, carport, or under any covered structure during a storm. This offers the best protection against hail.
• Use a Car Cover: If you don’t have access to a covered parking spot, investing in a hail-resistant car cover can help minimize the impact of hailstones. These covers are made from heavy-duty materials designed to absorb the force of hail.
• Monitor Weather Alerts: Stay informed by checking weather forecasts and signing up for severe weather alerts. If hail is in the forecast, take precautions to move your vehicle to a safer location.
• Use Blankets or Cushions: In an emergency situation where you can’t move your car, you can protect it by covering the vehicle with blankets, cushions, or even floor mats to reduce the impact of hailstones.

Don’t Ignore Hail Damage

Hail damage may seem like a minor issue, especially if it only results in a few small dents or chips. However, ignoring the damage can lead to long-term problems such as rust, reduced vehicle value, and compromised safety. Whether it’s a cracked windshield, chipped paint, or dents in the body, it’s important to address hail damage as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs and ensure your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy. By taking preventative measures, addressing damage promptly, and working with your insurance provider, you can protect your vehicle from the dangers of hail and keep it in top condition. Through it all, Metro Motor is here to help!