How Much Does Car Hail Damage Cost?
Those who live in a state with the possibility of hail are going to soon find out that it can do a lot more damage than expected. For most, it’s going to be hard to keep cars secured in places such as a garage or even a carport If exposed during a hail storm, tiny dents can form, causing a lot of damage. The cost to fix car hail damage will depend on the amount of damage done, the car make, model and repair center.
How much does car hail damage repair cost?
Most car insurance companies will cover hail damage and you will only be responsible for your deductible; however, all insurance policies won’t be created equally. You will want to make sure you have comprehensive insurance since this is what covers “Acts of God.” Without, you will be paying out of pocket. If covered, you will be responsible for your deductible.
For each dent you spot on your vehicle, plan on spending about $30 to $125 per dent. This will all depend on the size.
AutoWorks says a smaller dent can cost $30 to $45, while a larger dent can cost up to $80.
Parscertified.com has a calculator that’s able to give you a ballpark estimate.
Car hail damage overview
A professional company will repair and make the car look like new again. This process will entail popping any dents, replacing any panels, touching up with paint and polishing afterward. During this procedure, each and every dent will be popped out using a dent removal tool. If the dents are too big and they can’t be popped out, the collision shop may have to replace the piece of the car. Each and every situation will vary.
What are the extra costs?
Hail damage can often cause scratches as the hail hits the car. With scratches, the parts may have to be re-painted, resulting in a higher price tag.
Headlights and any window damage will be an additional cost, and this is usually quoted separately from the hail damage. Most glass and/or windshields can be repaired for $250 to $300.
If water was able to make its way into the car, this could damage the internal components and some professionals may recommend a deep clean. This type of cleaning could cost upwards of $250.
Tips to know
Some dents can actually pop out on its own if left in the sun for long enough. Consider letting your car sit out for a few days before making a call.
If your repair is less than $200, you may want to skip the insurance process and consider paying cash. Some people find it hard to work with the paperwork and dealing with the insurance company.
How can I save money?
If only a few dents are visible, there are a few dent products on the market you can try out. These products can cost anywhere from $20 to $50.
Prevention is key. Try your best to park your car in a garage or carport. Keep your eyes on the forecast to ensure that you know when storms are coming. If you can’t access a garage, laying a thick blanket on your car can work too.
It’s best to have car insurance with a lower deductible for those who live in a hail prone state. If you know that you live in a state that receives hail storms quite frequently, consider getting a deductible that is around $1,000 to save on the costs in case problems to happen.
Talk with at least three shops when getting a quote. Most shops will be more than happy to give a free estimate on damages if you bring the car in. Most estimates should take less than 30 minutes. Don’t forget that you can often negotiate with most.
Remember this is a cosmetic repair, and you don’t have to get it done. It can be frustrating to get the repair done when you know storms could attack your car again in the future. Unless you want to sell it in a few months, the repair can wait.
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