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How do I fix hail damage on a car?
We had a big hailstorm yesterday and my car was parked in the driveway. I woke up to some ugly dents. Please tell me this is fixable! How do I fix hail damage on a car?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! Those must have been some seriously big hailstones.
To fix hail damage on a car, try applying extreme heat/cold or using a dent repair kit.
Hail can wreak havoc on automobiles in a very short period of time. From small scratches on your hood to huge cracks in your windshield, the damage can feel endless!
It sounds like you’re most concerned about dents, but here is a quick guide to fixing various types of hail damage:
For scratches and paint marks, you may need to sand and repaint the damaged area. Small scratches might be fixable with a bit of primer. Big scratches may require complete panel removal and repainting.
For small cracks in the glass, start by applying resin, super glue, or nail polish to stop the crack from spreading. Then, drive your car to a glass repair shop. Even small cracks can destabilize the glass to a dangerous level, and it’s safest to let an expert assess the damage.
For dents in the hood or roof, the easiest DIY solution is to apply extreme heat or cold. Try a hairdryer or dry ice on the dented spots. After a few minutes, apply force to bump the dent back out. Dent repair kits cost about $15 and you can find them at most hardware stores.
If DIY solutions don’t work, call a repair shop. A technician may try PDR (paintless dent repair) or body filler to fix the dents in your car. This may involve paintwork and panel replacement, costing upwards of $1,000 depending on the severity of the damage.
Before you spend a ton of money, check your car insurance policy. If you have
comprehensive insurance
, hail damage
is usually covered! You’ll have to pay for the deductible (usually $500 to $1,000) but then your policy will kick in to cover the rest of the repair cost.If you have questions about
car insurance
, reach out to Jerry
. Our team can answer questions and help you navigate the process. Or, if you want to be more prepared for the next hailstorm with a better policy, try the free Jerry app to find a good policy.Good luck with the dents!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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