How Much Does Hail Damage Devalue a Car?
By John Funk, July 6, 2021
The forces of nature can come without a moment’s notice and leave devastating destruction in its path. Take hailstorms, for example. The pellets of frozen rain can bring widespread damage on anything unlucky enough to be out in the open – and that can include your car!
If you think that it’s impossible for hail to damage your car, you’re in for a nasty surprise. When you leave your car out in the middle of a hailstorm, expect to see numerous unsightly dents and widespread damages. In an average year, over one million hailstorm damage insurance claims are filed in the United States alone.
If your car is accidentally caught in the midst of a hailstorm, how much do you think will it cost to fix hail damage? Will it affect your car’s value? And how can you prevent future hailstorm damage? Keep reading and we’ll answer all those questions for you!
Why should you repair hail damage?
Before talking about numbers, let’s discuss why you need to fix your hailstorm-damaged car. First, nobody wants to drive around in a banged-up ride. If you have the means to have it restored to its former beauty, there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t go for it.
The second reason has to do with your car’s value. Any sort of damage on your auto reduces its value, and that includes damage from natural occurrences like hailstorms. Exactly how does hail damage affect your car’s value? We’ll talk about that later.
The final reason why you should repair hailstorm damage might be the most obvious: safety. Driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous since it could shatter while you’re driving! Keep in mind that even small cracks can spread if they are put under enough stress. Are you willing to risk it? Hopefully not.
How much does it cost to fix hail damage?
Now that you know why you should repair hailstorm damage, you’re probably wondering how much it costs to repair hail damage. Here’s a simple guide that can help you assess how much you need to have it fixed.
If your car sustained a few simple dents, the repair cost may be under $50. For larger dents, the cost to repair could double up to $100.
If your car was battered by an intense hailstorm, the cost to repair could amount to several thousand dollars, sometimes even exceeding the value of the car. If the repair cost exceeds the value of your car, it may be considered a total loss. In this case, it’s up to you whether you want to take the money offered by your insurance provider and buy a new car or try to repair the car anyway. If you choose the second option, keep in mind that it will be issued a total loss title, and you may be unable to drive it anyway (check your state laws regarding total loss cars).
Fixing damaged windshields will usually cost you a few hundred dollars.
The type of repair can also affect the cost to fix your ride. Traditional repairs can cost around $75 for smaller dents and up to $100 for deeper dents that need paint applications. Hard-to-reach dents may require the removal of the car’s panels which will raise the cost up to $1000 or more for significant damages.
Paintless dent repair (PDR) fixes the dents from the underside of the car, eliminating the need for any cosmetic work to the paint. This is a good option for smaller dents and dings. With PDR, the cost of repair is lower, since it’s a faster process.
If the cost of repairing hail damage is burning a hole through your pocket, approach your insurance provider. If you have comprehensive insurance for your car, you’re in luck!
Comprehensive insurance includes protection against environmental catastrophes, so hailstorm damage is covered. Comprehensive insurance will require you to pay your deductible (deductibles are usually between $250-$750) before the insurance covers the rest of the repairs. With this said, minor hail damage will not warrant an insurance claim.
How much does hail damage devalue a car?
You look at your car, covered in dents, and wonder if it’s going to affect your car’s value. Let us tell you the answer: yes. Leaving your car unrepaired can significantly reduce your car’s resale value.
The average devaluing of a car due to hail damage runs at $250 per dent. Moderate damage lowers the value of a car by $3000. Severe damage results in a total loss, rendering your vehicle essentially worthless at resale.
With this in mind, it is in your best interest to repair your ride as soon as possible. Leaving it damaged will only decrease the value even further, affect its integrity, and even put your life at risk.
How can you prevent hail damage?
- Be proactive. During the rainy season, check your phone’s weather app or the daily news for any chance of rain for the week. Always keep a car cover to prevent hail damage, especially when you park your car outdoors. A good car cover can help prevent minor hail damage and reduce severe damages.
- Find shelter. Park your car under covered parking. If that’s not possible, get a good car cover. If hail strikes while you’re on the road, find a bridge or shelter and wait until the hailstorm is over.
- Invest in insurance. As discussed earlier, comprehensive auto insurance is a necessity, especially when you live in a hail-prone area. Hail happens without a warning, so it’s always best to be prepared.
Worried about Hail Damage? Seal Skin’s Got You Covered!
Fixing hail damage can cost serious money, so do the right thing: invest in a high-quality Seal-Fit car cover to protect your car. At Seal Skin Covers, you can easily find the right cover that suits your needs and budget. We understand that you want to give your precious ride the protection it rightfully deserves so we use the best materials and enforce strict manufacturing standards to ensure the quality of our products.
Are you ready to make a purchase or would you like to know more about our products, and exchange and refund policies? In either case, please call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST) and we’ll gladly answer all your questions.
We also offer a full 30-day return and exchange warranty with every purchase so you can experience the Seal Skin Cover difference risk-free!