Is It Worth Fixing Hail Damage on a Car?

Hailstones can grow as large as six inches in diameter—about the size of a grapefruit—and weigh over a pound. Now, imagine several of those crashing down on your car. You’d end up with deep dents, shattered glass, and a vehicle that looks like it’s been pounded by a thousand tiny sledgehammers. 

So, is it worth fixing hail damage on a car? While it might seem like a hassle, repairing those dents is often the better choice. Let’s explore the benefits, costs, and long-term effects of repairing hail damage so you can make the best decision for your vehicle.

Benefits of Fixing Hail Damage on a Car

If you’re not sure if hail damage on a car is worth fixing, consider these benefits:

• Preserve Your Car’s Value: Hail damage lowers resale or trade-in value. Fixing it helps maintain your car’s worth, especially if you plan to sell it soon.
• Prevent Rust and Further Damage: Untreated dents and chips can cause rust, which spreads and leads to costly structural repairs.
• Preserve Your Car’s Look: No one likes driving a dented car. Fixing hail damage restores your car’s appearance, making it sleek and presentable.
• Improved Safety: Severe hail damage can impact critical parts like windows and mirrors. Repairing it keeps your car safe to drive.
• Insurance Coverage Often Helps: Comprehensive insurance often covers hail damage repair, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Cost to Repair a Hail-Damaged Car

The cost to repair a hail-damaged car varies by the severity of the damage and the repair method needed. For smaller dents from light hail, paintless dent repair (PDR) is often your best bet. It’s quick, doesn’t need repainting, and usually runs a few hundred dollars. But repairs can cost thousands when bigger hailstones cause deeper dents, cracked paint, or shattered glass. In those cases, you may need traditional bodywork, panel replacements, or a full repaint.

If you have comprehensive insurance, you’re in luck—most policies cover hail damage, leaving you with just the deductible. Review your coverage terms to know for sure. And don’t delay repairs; letting the damage sit can lead to rust or more costly issues that might not be fully covered.

Does Repaired Hail Damage Affect Car Value?

Yes, repaired hail damage does affect car value, but in a positive way. Professionally repaired hail damage restores your car’s appearance and structural integrity, ensuring it retains value. 

Vehicles with visible, unrepaired damage can lose much of their resale or trade-in value. However, repaired hail damage often has little to no impact on value, especially if the repairs are high-quality and restore the car to its pre-damage condition. Dealerships and buyers are far less likely to offer a fair price for a car that shows clear signs of hail damage, making repairs a smart investment.

What to Consider Before Repairing Hail Damage

We’ve covered some of these points in more detail, but here’s a quick, handy overview of what to consider before repairing hail damage:

• Insurance Coverage: Check if your policy covers hail damage repair.
• Extent of the Damage: Minor dents can wait, but larger ones should be fixed quickly to prevent further problems.
• Timeframe: Repairs can take a few days, depending on the damage, so plan for your car to be out of commission and arrange alternative transportation if needed.
• Cost: Compare repair costs with potential value loss from leaving the damage unrepaired.
• Repair Shop: Choose a trusted shop that specializes in hail damage repair. Check their reputation through reviews and accreditation. CARSTAR has a long track record of providing exceptional car restoration services, including hail damage repair.

Restore Your Car with CARSTAR’s Top-Tier Hail Damage Repairs

At CARSTAR, we make hail damage repair easy. Our certified technicians use advanced tools to restore your car to its pre-hail condition. From minor dents to major damage, we’ll make your car look like new. 

Is it worth fixing hail damage on a car? Indeed, it is. Visit a CARSTAR hail damage repair shop near you and get your car back in shape!