You may have heard many hail damage repair ads but never paid attention to the details. Now you’re pulling your hair out over the cost.
How much does it cost to repair a car after a hail storm? On average, the cost could run around $2,500. However, the cost could be less if you have one or two dents. If you have more than a few dents, expect to pay a higher price.
Conversely, you could keep costs low if you have insurance, or if you engage in DIY repairs. Repairing the damage yourself is counterintuitive in many cases, which is why taking your car to an expert is the best choice.
This article will highlight hail damage repair costs in greater detail. Let’s explore.
Multiple Dents
In many cases, car owners aren’t dealing with one or two dents. If you many dents, you could pay $1,000 or more. In other cases, auto hail repair for multiple dents could run only up to $300.
Repair Method
You have two repair options when addressing car hail damage:
- Paintless Dent Removal: Technicians will repair the damage without refinishing the car.
- Traditional Body Shop: This is a more labor-intensive method that requires hammering out the dent from the back, removing the paint, and applying filler.
The paintless option is less expensive, but it’s not always effective, especially if the metal is severely damaged. Even though the traditional option is more expensive, you’ll get a high-quality repair job. It’s also the best option if the paint is scuffed.
Hail Damage Windshield Costs
Overall, it can cost anywhere between $150 to $300 to replace a windshield. Large glass sheets are usually more expensive to replace.
The side windows are usually cheaper, and you could fix the window yourself in certain cases. For instance, you could easily find a replacement side window at a junkyard. Installing side windows is easier because technicians don’t have to infuse the glass into the car.
Insurance Deductibles
If you have insurance, you must pay the deductible before unlocking your policy. For example, many deductibles are around $500.
If the hail damage costs $1,000, you must pay the $500 deductible, and your insurance company will pay the remaining $500. If you’re only dealing with a $250 repair bill, and your insurance deductible is $500, you don’t have to worry about your insurance policy.
In other cases, you could save more money by not invoking your policy. If you use your policy, you could pay higher premiums in the future.
If you use your claim, you should file as soon as possible. Your insurance carrier could reduce or deny your payout if you took too long to file. If you want to use an aftermarket part to save money, you should ask your insurance company beforehand.
Varying Prices
Overall, the price depends on the body shop. Typically, many body shops offer the following price plans:
- Small Dents: $30 to $45
- Medium Dents: $40 to $55
- Large Dents: $75 to $80
To find a good price, shop around for the best estimate. Shopping around will also help you determine if the shop is overcharging you.
Many service centers will overcharge the estimate but charge less in the final bill. As a result, many customers think they got a good deal. The problem is that you may ignore sub-standard service in favor of the cheaper price.
Consider it a red flag if they charge cheap rates. The technicians may cut corners during the repair process.
Ask how the shop intends to fix the vehicle. If they give vague and unclear answers, take your car to another shop, as it could be a sign of incompetence or shadiness. Don’t allow the mechanics to implement any kind of repair, as you could end up with a higher bill.
In other cases, the service provider may suggest unnecessary add-ons. You can reject these suggestions, and you should consider another shop if they apply high-pressure salesmanship.
Find a Reputable Shop
The best shops should guarantee the work as well. This means that the shop will guarantee the work as long as you own the vehicle. If there is a problem with the work, bring it back to the shop so they can fix it for free.
You should also check the reputation of the shop. Read online reviews about the service center, and check to see if the shop has the necessary certifications.
State Costs
Car hail damage is more expensive in some states. Some of these states include:
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Montana
- Missouri
- Texas
- Iowa
- Wyoming
You could pay thousands of dollars for minor repair jobs.
The DIY Option
Repairing a car on your own is achievable if the dent is minor. For example, you can purchase a dent suction cup for as low as $6. The problem with self-repair, however, is the potential for further damage.
You could turn a minor issue into a major one that could cost $1,000 or more. Dent pullers will only work on shallow dents. They’re not effective on damaged edges or angled dents. To be on the safe side, take your car to a service center.
How to Approach Hail Damage Repair
The best way to approach hail damage repair is to seek out a professional. In limited cases, you can repair the dents on your own. For side windows or minor damage, a DIY route is a viable option.
If you have scuffed paint or damaged metal, however, a professional is the best choice. A hail damage repair cost can be thousands of dollars, but a quality repair is worth the extra expense.
Interested in reading more? Read more on our blog to learn about other auto topics.