Hail is an interesting phenomenon. It requires a temperature of less than -4 degrees Fahrenheit inside huge cumulonimbus clouds in order to form. Hailstones can reach huge sizes and can weigh up to 1kg each. Needless to say, if you live in a state which has a hail storm season, then you will know just how destructive this meteorological occurrence can be.
Hail can have a major impact on personal property and even safety if you don’t run to protection fast enough! Your house will be safe (though you may find some damaged shingles), but your car is a different story. Hail damage to your vehicle can range from superficial to devastating.
If your car has been damaged in a hail storm, you’re probably wondering what your next move should be. Some people choose to wait to get their vehicle damage fixed and, though this is understandable (cash flow might be short or you might be expecting another storm), it is a common mistake that can have some serious consequences.
Damages Can Quickly Escalate
Hail damage from chips to your vehicle’s paint might seem superficial, but in most cases it isn’t.
If your paintwork has been scratched to such an extent that it exposes the bare metal, water can work its way into the paintwork, and your car will be likely to rust. When your car starts to rust, trying to fight back is difficult, and it isn’t a cheap fix. If you manage to fix the hail damage before your car rusts, you will be fixing a problem and saving a lot of money in the process.
Preparation for Future Hail Storms
If you are one of the people who are holding off on fixing your car because you fear another hail storm in the future, you should remember that damage can compound and get worse. It can be easy to think that if your damages are purely cosmetic, you can afford to wait a while. With hail, however, there’s the very real risk that damages are not going to just be cosmetic. Denta from hail can make the body of your whole vehicle weaker, which means that your car will be even more damaged the second time around. It can be a pain, but if you care about your car’s health, you should immediately repair any damages and then try to find a safer place for you to park.
Repairs are Required for Leased Vehicles
If you’re leasing or renting the vehicle that you are driving, you almost definitely signed a contract that requires you to repair any damage to your vehicle, including hail and storm damage. That means you will need to repair even cosmetic damage, which is covered under comprehensive insurance – a coverage that you’re required to have by the leasing contract. So good news is that if your leased car is damaged in a storm, it is covered by insurance. Be sure to contact a hail repair company ASAP to avoid further damage.
Your Insurance Company Should Cover the Costs
Many people are put off from fixing damage because of the costs they assume they will have to cover. This should not be the case. If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, it is likely that your car insurance company will cover the damage.
Hail and storm damages are listed as ‘acts of nature’, which are covered in car insurance policies with comprehensive coverage on a vehicle. If you do not want the hassle of contacting your insurance company, then you don’t have to. Companies like StormWise, who are specialized in paintless dent repair, will be able to coordinate with your insurance directly, so you can quickly and easily get your car fixed and likely not have any out-of-pocket cost.
Preparation for Future Sales
If you are put off from fixing your vehicle due to the fact your car is likely totalled, you’ll need to consider the likelihood of reselling your vehicle. If you really need cash or perhaps need a different car and want to trade in your old one, you will have a hard time selling your hail-damaged car with a reasonble price. That’s because hail often creates ugly damage to the paintwork, as well as dents that make a car seem far more roughly treated than it actually is. If you can find a buyer, you will almost definitely be selling your car for far less money than you should be.
“Can I fix my car when I need to sell it?” you may ask. Short answer is yes with two important factors to consider. One is the potential further damage from chipped paint, another storm, or an accident, all of which will significantly raise the repair cost. The other factor is the repair time. If you’re selling your car in the middle of a hail season, many cars will be in the shop getting repair work. Repairing the damage that comes from hail takes time, about a week or more. That is time which you might not have if you are in a rush and need money. The better strategy is just to fix all damage as it happens, so you’re never caught out.
