A sudden hailstorm can leave your car dented, cracked, and in need of quick decisions.
Whether you’re dealing with fresh damage or preparing for future storms, this guide walks you through what to do, how to handle insurance, repair options, and how to protect your vehicle going forward.
1. Immediate Actions to Take After a Hailstorm
Right after a hailstorm, your priority should be safety and documentation. Acting quickly can help you avoid further damage and make the insurance process smoother.
- Check for safety hazards like broken glass or sharp metal.
- Photograph the damage from multiple angles, including close-ups.
- Contact your insurance provider to report the damage.
- Schedule an inspection with a trusted auto body shop.
- Arrange towing or mobile inspection if your car is undriveable.
2. Insurance & Financial Guidance
Understanding your insurance coverage is key to avoiding surprises. Most comprehensive policies cover hail damage, but deductibles and claim decisions can affect your out-of-pocket costs and future premiums.
- Comprehensive coverage typically includes hail damage.
- File a claim through your insurer’s app, website, or phone.
- Expect to pay a deductible, usually around $250–$1,000.
- Evaluate whether to file a claim based on repair costs vs. deductible.
- Consider long-term impacts on your premium before filing.
3. Repair & Recovery Options
Once your claim is underway, it’s time to explore repair options. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may choose between paintless dent repair or traditional bodywork.
- Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is ideal for small dents with no paint damage.
- Traditional bodywork is needed for cracked paint or broken glass.
- Search for local repair shops with hail damage expertise.
- Mobile repair services offer convenience at your location.
- DIY kits are available but best for very minor dents.
4. Financial & Value Considerations
Hail damage can affect your car’s value and insurance status. Knowing when a car might be totaled or how repairs impact resale can help you make informed decisions.
- Severe damage may total your car if repair costs exceed its value.
- Unrepaired damage lowers resale value and may deter buyers.
- Claiming damage could raise premiums, so weigh the pros and cons.
- Out-of-pocket repairs may be smarter for minor damage.
5. Timing & Weather-Related Tips
Being proactive before and after a storm can save you money and stress. From post-storm inspections to preventative tools, here’s how to stay ahead of hail damage.
- Inspect your car immediately after a storm for leaks or cracks.
- Use protective car covers designed for hail resistance.
- Park in covered areas when hail is forecasted.
Download weather alert apps to get early warnings.
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Give us a call to learn more about how to handle the after effects of a hail storm.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.