Oh no! So sorry to hear about the hail damage. Hail damage can take several days to fix, if you can find a repair shop that can handle the job.
It’s super smart to get your car repaired before you take it on a road trip. Even a small crack in the windshield could put your whole family in danger.
First of all, what kind of damage has your car sustained?
If you have tons of large dents, the repair may take several days. You may need body filler or PDR (paintless dent repair), or even replacement panels if the damage is severe. This could cost up to $2,000 in extreme cases.
On the other hand, a few small dents may take just a few hours to fix—and a $15 DIY repair kit from the hardware store might do the trick.
If your car was a clunker on its last legs, you may decide it’s not worth the cost to repair it. But if this is a hard-working family car with lots of life left, by all means, get it repaired! It’s very possible that you can get the repairs done in time for your trip.
But before you book a repair appointment, check your car insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage
, you should have some protection for hail damage. Once you pay your deductible
, the policy can kick in to help pay for the remaining repair costs. If you’re going through insurance, document the damage carefully and ask if the company has a preferred repair shop before spending any money.
For any car insurance
questions—or help finding a new policy—Jerry
can help. The app can help you quickly compare rates and sign up for an affordable policy. If you have questions, our friendly agents can answer questions via phone and text. Hope your car gets fixed soon!