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Is It Worth Fixing Hail Damage on a Car?

Have you ever had hail leave your car looking like a golf ball? What do you do when your paint is covered in dimples, dents, and chips? Is it even worth fixing it?

The answer to the last question depends on a variety of factors: cost, severity, and resale value. You’ll want to break all of these aspects down so you can make the best decision.

How Bad Is the Hail Damage?

Your repair options rely heavily on the extent of the damage. Some dents are minor and barely noticeable. Others can actually impact your vehicle’s performance and safety.

Cosmetic dents might not affect how the car runs. But that doesn’t mean they don’t lower its resale value. Deeper dents can crack paint, and in doing so expose metal to rust. If the hail cracks your windows or windshield, you’ll need to replace them for safety reasons.

If the hail damage is extensive, you’ll probably need repairs to keep the car functional and roadworthy. In some cases, the hail damage can even harm the vehicle’s structural integrity – especially if it compromises the car’s roof or hood. If the automobile’s aerodynamics are affected, fuel efficiency can be reduced, or it can make driving less stable at higher speeds.

Will Insurance Cover Repairs?

You can only know if your car insurance covers hail damage repairs if you check your policy. Most comprehensive auto insurance does cover hail damage, but deductibles and claim history both come into play.

If the repair cost is less than your deductible, paying out of pocket might make more sense. After all, too many claims can increase your premiums, so you need to consider whether it’s worth it. And if the repair costs exceed the car’s value, the insurance company might declare it a total loss.

If your insurance does cover most of the cost, repairing the damage might seem like a no-brainer.

However, if you live in a region that’s prone to hailstorms, you’ll want to consider whether it’s worth paying the deductible every time. Perhaps a preventative solution like covered parking might be a better long-term investment.

DIY vs. Professional Repairs

Do you have small dents from hail? You might actually be able to fix them yourself. But if you have deep damage, you’ll want to leave it to the pros.

One method is to use PDR kits. These use suction or glue-pull techniques to smooth out minor dents. Some people will also use a heat gun followed by dry ice to pop out dents. A household plunger might even work for shallow damage. All of these solutions are inexpensive and worth a try for minor damage.

If you have more serious dents, you’ll have to look at your professional options. A few of these include:

• Paintless Dent Repair: A cost-effective solution if the paint is intact.
• Traditional Bodywork: Needed for deep dents with paint damage; it requires filler and repainting.
• Panel Replacement: If the damage is severe, this could be the only solution.

It’s important to remember that DIY can certainly save money, but the methods aren’t foolproof. If you improperly use suction tools or heat, you can cause even more damage, which can result in higher repair costs down the line. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional.

Cost of Repairs

Repair costs will vary depending on the method and the severity of the damage.

DIY solutions cost anywhere from $20 to $100 for basic repair kits or household fixes. Paintless dent repair, on the other hand, usually costs anywhere from $50 to $400 per dent.

Other repairs cost more. Traditional bodywork can run between $500 and $2,500 or even more. It all depends on how extensive the repairs are. Panel replacement can easily cost more than $1,000 if the damage is too severe to repair with other solutions.

If your car is older and not worth a lot, money-wise, then skipping repairs makes sense. But if it’s newer, fixing the hail damage will preserve its resale value. Plus, if you lease the vehicle, you might be required to repair the hail damage before you return it – or face high penalty fees from the dealership.

Resale Value

A car covered in dents isn’t going to sell for top dollar. Buyers are going to notice damage, and dealerships will factor flaws into trade-in offers.

Generally if you plan to trade in your vehicle, dealerships will deduct repair costs from their offer. Worse, private buyers are likely to just walk away if the damage is too noticeable.

If repairing your hail damage is going to cost more than the car’s value, selling it as-is might be the best choice. Otherwise, if you plan to sell or trade in soon, repairs can be a smart investment.

Even if you don’t plan to sell immediately, untreated hail damage can lead to long-term depreciation. When a vehicle appears neglected, buyers tend to fear there might be other hidden issues. That will make them hesitate to offer a fair price.

Hail Damage Prevention

While hailstorms are definitely unpredictable, you can still take steps to protect your vehicle. For example:

• Park in a garage for the best protection.
• Use a hail-resistant car cover to absorb impact and prevent damage.
• Seek shelter like under an overpass or a gas station canopy if you’re caught out in a storm.
• Use Ice Melt in winter to prevent dangerous ice buildup in parking areas.
• Monitor weather alerts using weather apps that warn about hailstorms.

Common Myths About Hail Damage

Hail and the damage it causes are often misunderstood. You might have heard a few myths, including the following.

Myth 1: Small dents don’t need repair.

Even minor dents can weaken the paint and lead to rust as time goes by.

Myth 2: Insurance always covers hail damage.

Policies vary, and high deductibles sometimes make it impractical to file a claim.

Myth 3: Hail damage only affects appearance.

Severe dents can affect the aerodynamics and even the safety of your vehicle.

Myth 4: DIY repairs always work.

Some DIY techniques can be effective, but others might worsen the problem if done incorrectly.

Is It Worth Fixing Hail Damage?

A variety of factors influence whether or not it’s worth fixing the hail damage on your car. If your insurance covers it, go ahead and fix it. If resale value matters, you’ll also want to fix it. But if the damage is purely cosmetic and your car is older, skipping repairs might be fine.

You can evaluate your own situation and decide what makes the most financial sense for you. Since a well-maintained vehicle always holds more value, even minor repairs might be worth it in the long run. Taking some preventative steps now can also save you from costly future repairs.