Hail Damage Car Repair – What To Do Next?

Hail storms can leave their mark on your vehicle in no time. If you find yourself caught in a storm away from shelter, or if your car is usually parked outdoors, you might face the unfortunate consequence of hail damage.

Hail damage not only affects your vehicle's appearance but can also diminish its resale value. Dents from hail are common, and even small hailstones can leave significant damage. Larger hailstones, those measuring at least one inch in diameter, are particularly destructive, causing dents, scratches, and even cracking glass, mirrors, or lights.

Attempting DIY hail damage repair can be tempting, using methods like sun exposure, hair dryers, or dry ice. However, these techniques often do more harm than good. Professional hail damage repair is the safest route.

How PDRTX Can Help Repair Your Hail Damaged Vehicle

At PDRTX, we specialize in restoring vehicles to their pre-storm glory. Here's our process:

Contact Your Insurance: First, check with your auto insurance provider. Comprehensive plans usually cover hail damage, but it's important to understand your coverage. Reach out to your agent if you're unsure how to proceed with a claim.
File a Claim: Initiate a hail damage claim with your insurance. Your vehicle's damage can be appraised through your insurance's claim process. PDRTX can assist with a damage appraisal directly.
Clean Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is clean for the appraisal. This helps provide an accurate estimate, as dust and dirt can mask damage.
Choose PDRTX: Inform your adjuster that PDRTX is your preferred repair service.
Schedule Your Repair: Once your estimate is complete, we'll help you schedule your repair promptly. Call us at (469) 885-3796 or visit our website.
Insurance Payment and Deductible: After repairs, you'll need to cover your insurance payment and deductible. PDRTX offers a limited lifetime warranty for hail damage repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hail Damage Repair

How long does a hail damage estimate take?An estimate usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. This time allows our estimators to assess the severity and quantity of dents and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the repair process.
Why is a clean vehicle important for a hail repair estimate?A clean vehicle ensures that the estimator can see all visible damage, leading to a more accurate estimate and smoother repair process.
What happens during the hail repair estimate process?Our estimator, along with a PDRTX representative, will assess your vehicle's hail damage and discuss the repair process with you, providing a printed copy of the estimate afterward.
What is pre-loss condition?The pre-loss condition refers to the vehicle's state before the hail damage, including any non-hail damage. This condition will be documented during the estimate.

Repair Methods for Hail Damage

Depending on your vehicle's damage, PDRTX offers two repair methods:

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): A technique that involves meticulously massaging dents back to their original shape without needing to repaint.
PDR + Conventional Repairs: For severe damage, a combination of PDR and traditional body shop repairs may be necessary.

Scheduling and Repair Time

Scheduling Repairs: At your estimate, we'll discuss scheduling your repairs. Due to high demand after storms, there might be a wait, but we strive to begin repairs as quickly as possible.
Repair Duration: The time needed for repairs varies. Light to moderate hail damage can often be repaired in 1 to 3 days. Severe damage requiring body shop work may take 2 to 3 weeks.

What to Know About Hail Repair

Supplements: If additional damage is found during repairs, a supplement to the original estimate may be needed. This will be clearly communicated to you.
PDR Process: PDRTX's PDR process involves careful manipulation of each dent to restore your vehicle without compromising its original paint.
Conventional Body Repair: In cases of extensive damage, traditional repairs may be necessary to replace or repair panels.
R&I: "Remove and Install" refers to the process of removing interior panels to access dents from underneath, ensuring a thorough repair.

If your vehicle has been affected by hail, PDRTX's expert technicians are here to help. For more information or to schedule a repair, call us at (469) 885-3796 or fill out our online form.