Can paintless dent repair fix hail damage?
In many cases the answer is yes! Hail damage on vehicles is a common issue that PDR techniques can resolve. Storms that produce hail can wreak havoc on communities especially in instances where the hail is severe and reaches the catastrophic rating. Auto dealerships with exposed parking lots and the general public alike can fall victim to hail storms. In these situations vehicle repairs can take longer than normal due to the overwhelming volume within a community. Local auto body shops and dent removal technicians get backlogged with hail jobs, and waiting lists can stack up for months. Mobile dent repair specialists often relocate temporarily into these hail damage areas to help, but there is almost always an extended waiting period regardless.
How big does hail have to be to damage a car?
While small hail may not cause any noticeable damage to a vehicle, dents tend to occur on cars when the hail diameter approaches 1 inch. According to the National Weather Service, hail is considered “severe” when it’s size reaches at least 1 inch or greater, and is consistently falling. The largest hail on record was measured at 8 inches in diameter from a 1960 hailstorm in Odessa, TX. Most hail damage can be repaired with PDR, but there is a limit to what this process can fix. If a hail event left behind dents in a car that chipped or cracked the paint, you will likely need traditional collision repair that involves expensive painting processes at an auto body shop.
Your vehicle has received hail damage. Now what?
If your vehicle is not totaled by a hailstorm, you have options for hail damage repair. Step 1 is to contact your insurance provider immediately. Similar to the local body shops and dent technicians, insurance companies get backlogged with claims following major hail events. Long waits can ensue, so it’s always best to get in line early. Upon completion of repairs be sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle inside and out. There should be no evidence that hail damage ever existed if repairs were performed correctly. Any issues with the finished product should be resolved before taking delivery of your vehicle.
Does auto insurance cover hail damage?
Search PDRcontractors.com dent repair directory to find a local certified technician near you.