Automotive Hail Damage Repair Cost
The average hail damage repair cost will vary from one repair shop to another. However, each auto body shop will typically base its price on the number of dents on each vehicle panel. In most cases, the average cost of hail damage repair using a paintless dent removal process is between $2,500 and $3,500 for an entire vehicle. Severe hail damage may cost more.
The price for non-hail-related dent removal is a little different than hail damage quotes. The size and location of the dent play a factor in the amount charged. A large dent that requires significant work can be more expensive than a smaller one fixed in 10 minutes. Visit our paintless dent repair post for additional details on standard pricing.
Paintless Dent Repair vs. Conventional Dent Repair
If you are looking for a quick and cost-effective way to get your car fixed after a hail storm, then consider finding a hail damage repair service that uses a paintless dent removal process. This type of service does not require any cutting or drilling into the metal panels of your car and leaves the original factory paint intact.
Advantages of PDR for Hail Damage Repair
- Fixing dents on the entire vehicle can be done within a day or two, depending on the amount of damage.
- Fixing dents with PDR is a fraction of the cost of conventional dent repair methods.
- Fixing hail dents with PDR doesn’t require a new paint job.
Disadvantages of PDR for Hail Damage Repair
- Deep dents from larger baseball-size hailstones are challenging to fix and will cause paint damage during the paintless dent repair process if not performed correctly.
- Access to dents is sometimes tricky and hard to reach, sometimes leading to inefficient repairs.
- Inexperienced technicians have been known to scratch the metal surface on the panel’s backside, which leads to rust over time.
How Does Hail Damage Repair Work?
The process of removing a pea-size hail dent or something larger involves the same tools and process. The technician will remove the trunk lid and hood then drop the headliner on the inside. These steps will enable the technician to access most of the dents quickly.
After prepping the vehicle, the technician will position a light over the damage making it easier to see the dent. The technician will then massage the dent from behind until the light shining on the dent is smooth. Below is an example of light shining on a dent before and after it’s fixed.
Interesting Facts
Top 5 States for Hail Claims
The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association (RMIIA) listed the following five states as having the highest number of significant hail events in past years. I have relatives in Colorado, and from what they say, this list should include Colorado.
- Texas
- South Dakota
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- Nebraska
Largest Hailstone on Record
Also, according to the RMIIA, the largest hailstone on record fell in Bethune, CO. It measured 4.83″ in diameter and weighed 8.5 ounces.
History of Paintless Dent Repair
Unlike traditional repair methods, the paintless dent repair method has become popular in recent years as it allows car owners to avoid having their cars painted. Dr. Gary Smith developed the first PDR technique in 1975. He used his knowledge of physics and engineering to create a tool that would allow him to remove dents without damaging the vehicle’s underlying structure.
Shortly after, automotive manufacturers started producing vehicles with thinner steel structures than previous models, making them easier to bend and dent. As a result, this technology became more widely accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I file a hail damage claim to repair my car? Most insurance companies provide comprehensive coverage for hail damage. Rather than spend thousands of dollars out of pocket, it might be a good idea to find out what type of coverage your policy provides. After all, a $500-$1,000 deductible is a lot less than paying for the entire cost of repairs.
- Will my insurance premiums go up if I file an insurance claim for hail damage? Hail damage is considered an act of God that falls under the comprehensive section of your insurance policy. However, filing a comprehensive claim may cause your insurance rate to increase if you have other claims filed throughout the year. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to get the best answer to this question.
- Can I choose standard collision repair instead of PDR? Yes, if your vehicle has extensive damage, it will be faster and easier to select a conventional repair method.
- Will liability insurance coverage pay for hail dent removal? No, liability auto insurance policies only pay for damage you caused to other vehicles while driving. However, as mentioned above, comprehensive insurance coverage is needed for this type of repair.
- Can hail damage return after it’s fixed? The damage will not return if the dent repair shop uses the correct repair method.
- Do I have to take my car to the repair facility recommended by my insurance company? No, it’s your choice to use any repair facility you wish. However, we highly suggest using a reputable repair center specializing in hail damage repair. They will know how to fix your vehicle correctly, and they won’t charge you extra fees for doing so.
- Is the PDR process safe? Yes, when performed by an experienced technician. However, as previously mentioned, inexperienced technicians can scratch the back of the panel, causing hidden damage that can later turn to rust. In addition, scratches in the metal will lead to more expensive repairs down the road since rust is like cancer and spreads quickly.
Final Thoughts
Hail damage is a common occurrence during thunderstorms. If you’re looking for a way to save money on your next auto repair bill, consider choosing a reputable repair shop specializing in hail damage repair. You’ll be able to avoid unnecessary costs and headaches associated with poor-quality repairs.
