Hailstorms can wreak havoc on vehicles, causing dents, cracked paint, and broken glass. In 2021, Oklahoma ranked ninth in the U.S. for hail damage, with an estimated 204,382 properties affected. At Southwest Collision in Ardmore, OK, we provide professional collision repair services to restore vehicles after hail damage. Whether your car has minor dents or severe structural damage, we offer solutions like paintless dent removal and repair, as well as full auto body repair, to get your vehicle back in top shape.
Addressing hail damage promptly is vital, as it can considerably reduce your car’s resale value. Unrepaired hail damage can decrease a vehicle’s value by up to one-third. Understanding the repair process can help you make informed decisions about restoring your vehicle and maintaining its value.
Key Takeaways
- Hail Damage Can Affect Your Vehicle’s Safety and Value – Dents from hailstorms can affect your vehicle’s appearance and lower its resale value. While minor dents typically do not compromise structural integrity, extensive hail damage may weaken body panels over time. Prompt repairs help maintain both the look and long-term condition of your car.
- Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Is a Preferred Solution – Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a widely used method for repairing hail damage without repainting. It works best for shallow dents where the paint remains intact. However, deep dents, sharp creases, or areas with cracked paint may require additional bodywork.
- Insurance May Cover Hail Damage Repairs – Hail damage is covered under most comprehensive auto insurance policies. However, coverage details, deductibles, and claim limits vary. Checking your policy and documenting the damage with photos can help streamline the claims process.
- Choosing a Trusted Auto Body Shop Matters – A reputable auto body repair shop like Southwest Collision in Ardmore, OK, provides expert auto body repair and collision services to restore hail-damaged vehicles. Working with skilled technicians guarantees quality repairs and a seamless process.
- Immediate Action Can Prevent Further Damage – Delaying repairs can lead to rust and more expensive fixes. Addressing hail damage quickly with professional collision repair prevents additional issues and keeps your vehicle in top shape.
How Does Hail Damage a Car?
Hail impacts vehicles in different ways depending on the size of the hailstones and the speed at which they fall. Even small hailstones can cause noticeable dents, while larger ones can crack windshields, damage paint, and even weaken a car’s structural integrity.
Common types of hail damage include:
- Dents on the hood, roof, and trunk – These areas take the most impact during a storm.
- Cracked or shattered glass – Hail can break windshields, side windows, and rear windows.
- cracked or peeling paint – When hailstones hit a car’s surface, they can remove paint, exposing the metal underneath.
- Trim and mirror damage – Side mirrors, plastic trim, and moldings may also crack or break.
If your vehicle has been caught in a hailstorm, it’s important to bring it to a trusted auto body repair shop near you to assess the damage and prevent further issues.
How to Check for Hail Damage on Your Car
Some hail damage is immediately visible, but other types may be harder to spot. We recommend taking these steps to inspect your car after a storm:
Steps to Identify Hail Damage:
- Examine the hood, roof, and trunk – Look for small dents, dimples, or scratches.
- Check the windshield and windows – Even small cracks can grow over time and require replacement.
- Inspect side panels and doors – Dents may not always be obvious in certain lighting conditions.
- Run your hand over the surface – Feeling for dents can help identify damage that may not be visible.
- Look under bright light – Sunlight or a flashlight can make dents more noticeable.
If you’re unsure whether your car has hail damage, bring it to Southwest Collision for a professional inspection. We’ll assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best collision services for your vehicle.
Best Ways to Repair Hail Damage
Hail damage can range from minor cosmetic issues to extensive dents that require more involved repairs. The right repair method depends on the severity of the damage and whether the paint has been compromised.
1. Paintless Dent Removal Repair (PDR)
For minor dents where the paint remains intact, paintless dent repair (PDR) is the preferred solution. This technique allows us to remove dents without sanding or repainting, preserving your car’s original finish.
Benefits of PDR:
- Quick and cost-effective repair process
- No need for fillers or repainting
- Preserves the factory paint and original appearance
- Environmentally friendly since no chemicals or paint are used
If you’re looking for paintless dent removal repair or paintless car dent repair near you, our team specializes in this technique to restore vehicles efficiently. To illustrate, a customer in Ardmore, OK, brought in their vehicle after a storm and was worried about costly repairs. Using PDR, we repaired the dents within a day, saving them time and money while keeping their vehicle’s original finish intact.
2. Traditional Auto Body Repair
Severe hail damage, including deep dents and cracked paint, often requires traditional auto body repair. This process involves reshaping metal panels, applying fillers if needed, sanding, and repainting to restore the vehicle’s exterior.
We recommend traditional repairs in cases where:
- The paint is cracked
- Dents are too large for PDR
- The vehicle has multiple panels with damage
At Southwest Collision, our collision repair experts use precision techniques to restore vehicles after hail damage, providing a seamless finish.
For example, a customer recently brought in their sedan after a severe hailstorm left multiple deep dents and cracked paint across the hood and roof. Since the damage was too extensive for PDR, our team used traditional auto body repair techniques. We applied body fillers to smooth out the dents, carefully sanded the affected areas, and repainted the panels to match the original color. The result? A flawless finish that restored the car’s appearance and protected it from further damage.
If your vehicle has significant hail damage, Southwest Collision offers expert collision repair to bring it back to pre-damage condition.
Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Full-coverage insurance policies cover most auto body repair costs for hail damage. However, drivers with liability-only coverage will likely have to pay out of pocket.
How to File a Hail Damage Claim:
- Document the damage: Take clear photos of the affected areas.
- Contact your insurance provider: Report the hail damage as soon as possible.
- Schedule an inspection: The insurer may require an adjuster to assess the vehicle.
- Get a repair estimate: Visit an auto body repair shop near you for a quote.
- Submit your claim: Once approved, you can proceed with repairs.
At Southwest Collision, we work directly with insurance companies to streamline the claims process, making it easier for our customers to get their vehicles repaired.
How Long Does It Take to Repair Hail Damage?
The time required for hail damage repair depends on the extent of the damage, the repair method, and the shop workload.
- Minor dents (PDR): Typically completed in 1-3 days.
- Moderate damage (paint and bodywork): This may take 5-7 days, depending on parts availability and insurance approvals.
- Severe hail damage (multiple panel repairs): Repairs can extend up to two weeks, particularly if extensive bodywork or replacement parts are needed.
We understand that being without your car is inconvenient, so we work efficiently to complete repairs while maintaining quality standards.
What Happens If You Ignore Hail Damage?
While minor hail dents may seem purely cosmetic, untreated damage can lead to long-term issues, such as rust formation on exposed metal and reduced resale value.
Consequences of Delayed Repairs:
- Rust formation – Exposed metal can corrode, leading to costly repairs.
- Reduced resale value – Hail damage can lower your car’s trade-in or resale price.
- Structural integrity concerns – Deep dents weaken the vehicle’s frame, affecting safety.
If your car has hail damage, don’t wait to get it fixed. Our auto body repair specialists will restore your car before minor issues turn into bigger problems.
How to Prevent Hail Damage
While hailstorms are unpredictable, you can take precautions to protect your vehicle.
Hail Protection Tips:
- Park in a garage or covered area when storms are expected.
- Use a hail-resistant car cover for extra protection.
- Monitor weather alerts and avoid driving in severe storms.
- If caught in a storm, find shelter under a bridge or covered parking area.
Even with precautions, hail damage can still happen. If it does, our team at Southwest Collision is here to provide high-quality collision services to restore your vehicle.
Why Choose Southwest Collision for Hail Damage Repairs?
Southwest Collision offers professional auto body and hail damage repair services. Our technicians are skilled in traditional bodywork and paintless dent removal, restoring vehicles to their original condition.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Skilled technicians with years of experience in collision repair
- Fast turnaround times without compromising quality
- Assistance with insurance claims for hassle-free service
- High-quality repairs that maintain your car’s appearance and value
- We offer the best auto paintless dent repair near you
- If you’re searching for an auto body repair and collision shop near you, trust our team to provide top-tier collision services in Ardmore, OK.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my car needs hail damage repair?
Hail dents, cracked paint, or broken glass mean your car needs repairs. At Southwest Collision, we assess the damage and recommend the best auto body repair and collision solutions to restore your vehicle.
2. Does insurance cover hail damage repair?
Most full-service policies cover hail damage. We work with insurance providers to make the claims process easy. Bring your car to Southwest Collision, and we’ll handle the repairs with quality auto body repair services.
3. How long does hail damage repair take?
The repair time depends on the severity of the damage. Minor dents can be fixed in a day, while extensive repairs may take longer. We’ll provide an accurate estimate after inspecting your vehicle.
4. Can paintless dent repair fix all hail damage?
Paintless dent repair works for many hail dents if the paint is intact. If there’s paint damage, we offer complete auto body repair and collision services to restore your vehicle’s appearance. Our technicians will recommend the best option.
5. Why should I choose Southwest Collision for hail damage repair?
We provide quality auto body repair with experienced technicians and customer-focused service. Located in Ardmore, OK, we make the repair process hassle-free, working with insurance and using top repair methods to restore your car.
Conclusion
Hail damage affects both the appearance and value of a vehicle. Timely repairs, including paintless dent removal or traditional bodywork, help prevent long-term issues such as rust or diminished resale value. Many comprehensive insurance policies cover hail damage, so reviewing your coverage and working with an experienced repair shop can simplify the process. At Southwest Collision in Ardmore, OK, our technicians provide reliable hail damage repairs to restore your vehicle’s condition. Addressing damage early on can help avoid more extensive repairs later.
Schedule Your Hail Damage Repair Today
Hail damage can worsen over time, so don’t delay repairs. Whether you need paintless car dent repair near you or full auto body repair, Southwest Collision is ready to help. For further details or to make an appointment, contact our team by phone at (580) 226-2722 or email at sw.collision@yahoo.com.
