I signed & drove, then it hailed.
Hail Damage on a Brand New Car
So here’s the story. You just drove your very first brand new car off the car lot. You get a few good days of driving in and it happens. A freak hail storm for the ages. Hail stones the size of golf balls are falling from the sky and you sit helplessly inside wondering why you didn’t have the mind to PUT IN A GARAGE before you purchased a BRAND NEW CAR! Ouch.
Let us help calm your mind just a little, answer some of these very important questions, and assure you that you are not alone.
Will my insurance cover the cost to repair the hail damage on my new car?
It really depends on the type of insurance coverage you have. Unless you purchased the car outright, which usually isn’t the case, you probably have comprehensive coverage because your lender requires it. Most insurance companies that insure vehicles to people living in “hail alley,” will require you to carry comprehensive coverage. Why? Comprehensive coverage covers the cost to repair auto hail damage or any other damage caused by an “act of nature.” Learn more about the benefits of upgrading your insurance policy here.
How much will it cost to repair hail damage on a brand new car?
As we mentioned above, the cost to repair hail damage is covered under your comprehensive insurance policy. If you DID buy your new vehicle in cash, the type of coverage you have on your vehicle would be up to you. Insurance policies such as liability and SOME full coverage policies will not cover the cost to repair the hail damage on your new vehicle.
Do I have a deductible?
More than likely, yes. The average deductible cost is $500. To find out how much your deductible will cost you, contact your insurance company and ask. We have created a list of contact and claim numbers for most insurance companies here. As an independent Paintless Dent Repair facility not contracted with an insurance companies, otherwise known as a Direct Repair Facility, we have the options of covering the cost of your deductible.
How long will it take to repair the hail damage?
It depends on how your insurance adjuster has written up the quote to repair. If the hail damage has not damaged the paint, the repairs can be completed at a Paintless Dent Repair shop. On average, your car will be in a PDR shop anywhere between 1 to 3 days. If the damage is severe, it is STILL repairable but might require 3 to 5 days in the shop. To get a more definitive answer, schedule a free inspection and we can give you a better idea on how long your vehicle will be in our shop for repairs.
Will repaired hail damage reduce the value of the car?
No. The difference between an Auto Body Shop repair and a Paintless Dent Repair is that we reverse the damage rather than “repair” it in traditional Auto Body Shop way. With Paintless Dent Repair, there is no drilling, fillers, sanding or repainting. The dents are gently massaged away as though they had never existed. The hail damage will not be reported on the vehicle VIN CARFAX because the damage was literally reversed.
What do I do next?
Wait until the hail stop falling, take a deep breath, and assess the damage. Take pictures and video of the damage. Next, call your insurance company and file a claim.
I wonder if I run outside now and try to move my car to shelter, will hail the size of golf balls knock me out?
Don’t ever go out into a hail storm. Hail stones the size of golf balls will hurt you. Safety first.
Do I take my car back to the dealership for repairs?
Some car dealerships will have a Paintless Dent Repair technician on staff. Most dealerships will partner with local PDR shops and commission them to do their PDR. After a major storm, this is VERY common. You can ask if the dealership can do the repairs or you can call a local PDR shop to complete the repairs.