There were 5,396 hailstorms in 2019. These storms resulted in insurance claims that totaled $8-$14 billion a year. If you live in a climate that experiences hailstorms, then you know the devastating feeling of discovering your car full of dents.
The good news is that all is not lost; you can have hail damage repair done. There are several options available to you. This guide will explain which ones are worth a try.
Three Options for Hail Damage Repair
There are three options available to you when repairing your car from hail damage.
- The DIY route
- Paintless dent repair
- Auto body shop
The method of repair that you choose for repairing hail damage will depend on your budget, the amount of damage, and whether or not you decide to go through your insurance company.
DIY Methods for Repairing Damage From Hail
If you want to attempt to fix the damage yourself, there are a few different methods you can try. You’re likely to experience varying degrees of success. You may need to try several different methods before the dents are fully repaired.
Dry Ice
It’s claimed that the dry ice creates a sudden change in temperature that will cause the metal dent to flatten out. But there’s no scientific evidence that this actually happens. In fact, it’ll likely cause more damage than what it will achieve in repairs.
Dry ice will damage your skin if you touch it, which makes it incredibly difficult to work with.
Using the Sun
You could also refer to this method as the do-nothing method. Park your car in the sun and leave it there. The sun is supposed to heat up your vehicle and reverse the damage.
Hot Air
Hold a hairdryer two to four inches away from the dent. Leave it there for two-minute intervals until the dent disappears. There’s a risk of discoloring your car’s paint with this method.
Paintless Dent Repair Method
This is the preferred method of repair for insurance companies. If you decide to go through your insurance company, this is the likely method that they’ll quote you for. A PDR Paintless Dent Repair Estimator App will help you to understand the cost of repair for your dents.
With this method, the technician will need to access the backside of the dent. Special tools are then used to gently massage the metal back into its original position. The entire process can take less than a day and is non-invasive.
The Auto Body Shop Route
Before PDR, your only option was the auto body shop. With this method, the shop will replace the parts of your car that have hail damage. They may try to hammer out the dents, but this doesn’t produce a perfect solution.
Repair Your Vehicle’s Hail Damage
Now that you understand your options, you’re ready to begin the hail damage repair process. Start by deciding if you want to go through your insurance company or not. You’ll then need to determine what method of repair you want to use.
For the easiest and smoothest experience, don’t go for the cheapest option. Look for the option that will give you the results you desire.
Browse our other articles for more helpful advice on how to care for and repair your car.
