Unfortunately, there are over 6 million car accidents each year in the United States. Not all vehicle damage stems from accidents, though.
Hail is responsible for many instances of car damage, and it’s important to know what action to take afterward. Although hail damage might seem difficult to deal with, the process is relatively straightforward.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about hail damage repair.
Understand if You Need Professional Help
The first step is to evaluate the damage. If the hailstones have left behind small dents, you might be able to repair the damage yourself.
However, if the dents are large or deep, you’ll likely need professional help. In addition, if there are any cracks in your windshield, you should also seek professional assistance.
If you decide to repair the damage yourself, you’ll need to purchase a few supplies. These include a hairdryer, plunger, bucket, and soap. You’ll also need a can of compressed air, which you can purchase at most hardware stores.
Repairing Small Dents
To start repairing the hail damage, fill the bucket with hot soapy water. Next, soak a clean cloth in the water and apply it to the dented area. Then, take the hairdryer and turn it on to its hottest setting.
Hold the dryer about an inch away from the wet cloth and wait for the area to dry. Once the area is dry, apply the plunger to the center of the dent and push and pull it until the dent pops out. If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using the can of compressed air.
Hold the can upright and spray the dented area for about 30 seconds. The pressure from the can should pop the dent out.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After you’ve repaired the hail damage, you’ll need to contact your insurance company. You’ll likely have to pay a deductible, but your insurance should cover the rest of the repair costs.
If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will most likely cover the entire cost of the repairs. However, if you only have liability coverage, your insurance will only cover the cost of repairs if the hail damage was caused by another driver.
Once you’ve contacted your insurance company, you’ll need to take your car to a repair shop. The repair shop will give you an estimate of the repairs and send it to your insurance company. After your insurance company approves the estimate, the repair shop will fix the hail damage.
You can check out this page to learn more about reputable hail repair experts.
Keep in mind that severe hail damage might not be covered by your insurance. If the repair costs exceed the value of your car, your insurance company will declare it a total loss and give you the cash value of your car.
Dealing With Hail Damage Might Seem Difficult
However, it’s much easier than most people believe. Just keep the above info about hail damage in mind so you understand which steps to take.
Looking for other useful articles about car hail damage and more? Our blog has plenty of info that can help you out in the future.