A Guide to Car Hail Damage Repair
If your car has hail damage, you need to get it repaired immediately. The longer you wait, the more money it will cost you. In addition to the cost of hail repair, you should know about your insurance coverage for this damage. In some cases, you can try to repair the hail damage yourself.
Cost of Hail Damage Repair
The cost of car hail storm repair Lakewood CO varies, depending on the damage’s severity. Minor dents can be repaired for under $30, while medium-sized dents cost around $40-$55. Larger dents will cost about $75-$80.
The repair time depends on the severity of the damage, but it can take as little as one day or as long as two weeks to complete. If you can, get a free estimate online or by calling your local repair shop. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for weeks or even months for repairs.
In addition to repair costs, car hail damage can reduce the value of your vehicle. An unrepaired hail dent on a vehicle’s body may decrease its value by about 7%. This means that a car worth $30k will only sell for $23,000 if it has $7,000 worth of damage. The seller will have to repair the hail damage after the sale. It will also lower curbside appeal, making the car appear older and turning off potential buyers.
Insurance Coverage for Hail Damage
Car insurance policies generally cover hail damage repairs if the policyholder has comprehensive coverage. However, the cost of repairs can be more than $2,000. Before filing a claim, you should determine whether your deductible will cover the cost. You may not need to file a claim if you can afford to pay the deductible.
It is best to get an estimate from a reputable body shop and compare it to your deductible before filing a claim. Your insurance company will then send an adjuster to your car and determine the extent of the hail damage. The insurance company will then pay the body shop for the repairs or pay you for the total value of your car minus your deductible.
Insurance coverage for car hail damage repair is a good idea for any driver. The costs of hail damage repairs can add up and make it impossible for many drivers to pay for them. The only way to avoid this is to have comprehensive coverage.
DIY Hail Dent Removal Techniques
If you’ve recently hit a hailstorm and aren’t ready to take the car to a mechanic, there are several ways to remove hail dents from your car. One method is to apply heat to the affected area. This will help make the metal pliable. After the heat is applied, the dent will be pushed out of the car. However, be careful not to overheat the dent because this will ruin the paint.
Another DIY hail dent removal technique is to sand down the affected area using 180-grit paper on a dual-action sander. This will ensure that the new finish glaze will stick well to the car’s surface. The next step is to remove debris and clean the area with a degreaser or wax. Finally, you can apply a coat of finish glaze to the car.
Another way to remove hail dent is by applying dry ice to the affected area. It is best to hold the dry ice in place for several seconds. After that, the dent should pop out and can be cleaned. However, it is not recommended to perform this technique yourself as it may cause further damage.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Technique
The paintless dent repair technique is excellent for car hail damage repair. This technique works by pushing out the dent from within a panel. This technique is not appropriate for more considerable hail damage. To repair extensive hail damage, body filler is needed. Before rushing to hire a PDR professional, it’s best to get an estimate from a few different shops. You’ll also want to check your insurance company for a coverage policy.
A PDR technician will carefully manipulate dented metal panels to return them to their original shape. To do so, they will use various-sized tools. A skilled technician will be able to return your car to its original shape. They will use LED lighting to help them visualize where the dents are. Once the work is complete, your car will look as good as new.
Paintless dent repair will not remove dent damage that has weakened the paint, which will require touch-up or buffing. Additionally, paintless dent repair cannot repair dents that have weakened the metal underneath.