Hail storms can cause serious damage to your car. You may wonder what steps to take if your car is damaged by hail. Here's a guide to repairing auto hail damage.
Step 1: Assess Damage
Assess the damage. Take note of any hail damage to your vehicle. Take pictures of the damage to help with insurance. You might be able repair the damage yourself if it is minor. If the damage is extensive, you should seek professional help.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company after you have assessed the damage. According to your insurance policy, hail damage might be covered. Report the incident and provide the necessary details to your insurance provider. They will inform you of the next steps to take and the coverage and deductible.
Step 3 - Choose a Repair Technique
Paintless Dent Repair is one of the two main methods to repair hail damage. The other method is traditional body repairs. PDR is the process of using specialized tools to push the dented material back into its original form without affecting the paint job. This method is less invasive, and in general less expensive. The traditional body repair involves filling in the dent using filler material, and then repainting it. This method can be more expensive and invasive, but may be needed for larger or deeper dent.
Step 4: Repair Damage
You can use a DIY dent-repair kit if you are doing the repair yourself, and the damage is minor. These kits come with a suction device and a pulling tool to remove small dents. If you have larger dents, or if it is something that you are not comfortable doing yourself, then it's best to bring your car to an auto body shop. They have the tools and expertise needed to repair the damage.
Step 5 - Protect your vehicle from future hail damage
It's also important to protect your car from future damage. If possible, park the car in a garage under a carport. If you do not have covered parking available, invest in a hail protector or car cover. These can offer a layer protection against hail damage and other weather-related damages.
Repairing auto hail damage is a simple process if you follow the right steps. Assess the damage, call your insurance company, select the right repair method and protect your vehicle from future hailstorms. These steps will ensure that your vehicle is in good condition despite the weather.