Finding Better Auto Service

« Back to Home

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Hail Damage To Your Vehicle

Posted on

If your car has just been through its first hailstorm, you may be surprised at the amount of damage it received. You may have questions concerning paying for the repairs, the different types of repairs and why to have them done. Here are the answers to these frequently asked questions about hail damage.

Paying for Hail Damage Repair

Before contacting an auto body repair shop to get quotes on the work that needs to be done, read your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, the insurance company should pay any amount over your deductible to have the car fixed. If you have a high deductible, and the damage is limited to a few dings and dents, you may end up paying for the entire repair yourself. If you only pay for liability insurance, you will have to pay for the repairs out of your own pocket.

Why Have the Repairs Done?

If the damage does not affect the performance of the vehicle, you may wonder if you should have them done at all. If you are still paying on the car, the lien holder will probably require you fix the damage. Of course, in this case, you will have comprehensive insurance coverage that may help with the cost. If you own the car outright, you should still have the damage fixed. Even small dings can leave your car's metal frame and body unprotected from the elements. This will allow rust to grow and spread, causing more damage to the body. In addition, any visible damage to your car will lower its value. At some point you are going to want to sell or trade it. Keeping it in as perfect condition as possible is best for your pocket.

Different Types of Repairs

Small dents can often be popped back out without disrupting the paint. This is the best method to have done if possible. It involves no filling compounds and you won't have to pay to have the whole car painted because the touch up does not match the faded color of the vehicle. Major damage is going to need some filler added and some grinding done. Over time, as the filler shrinks, you may need to have the work touched up. However, a reputable shop like Brandywine Coach Works will be able to repair the damage so it looks as if nothing ever happened.

Other than keeping our vehicle in an enclosed garage at all times, you can never be completely protected against it. However, if you are driving when it starts to hail, pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. The speed and movement of the vehicle will increase the strength of the impact of the hail. This can turn what would have been minor damage into something major.


Share