The Challenges of Auto Hail Repair: Not a DIY Project

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 5,396 major hailstorms in the United States last year. Hail damage is a frequent problem for car owners and one that cannot be anticipated.

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If your vehicle has been dinged in a hailstorm, you are probably considering options for hail damage repair.

Do-it-yourself internet instructions for all types of projects have been increasing in popularity. If you are generally handy with repairs, this option may be tempting. After all, minor dents and dings appear to be easy to fix.

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However, repairing a dent in your vehicle is not an easy task at all, not to say, fixing hundreds of it – it’s quite normal to have hundreds of dents from a hailstorm. In fact, you could even cause greater damage to your vehicle’s surface or paint job.

Think twice about trying to repair it yourself. There are new methods of dent repair available that are both cheap and efficient. With proper insurance policies and our deductible coverage, you may not pay anything out-of-pocket.

And some minor damage could be fixed within a couple of days.

Before venturing out on your own dent repair endeavor, take a look at the information below. Having a professional repair your vehicle can be affordable and seamless. And it will give you the assurance that the job is done properly.

Auto Hail Repair Options

There are two types of professional hail dent repair. There is a conventional method and what is known as paintless dent repair, or PDR.

Traditional dent repair involves using filler on the dent or ding, then repainting it. The technician grinds off the external paint, then bangs the metal back to its approximate original form. They then apply putty to smooth out the surface.

Once the putty is dry, the technician sands it, then applies primer, base paint, and a final layer of paint. These processes can take a lot of money and a long time to complete. However, the traditional method of repair is necessary for some dents.

Paintless dent repair is a process where the technician removes the paneling inside the car opposite the damage. They then use specialized equipment to reshape the metal back into its original form. The tools leverage rods and body picks to push it back into its original shape.

Without sanding/grinding/painting, PDR can produce an exact pre-dent texture and contour that keeps your original paint intact. 

Advantages of PDR

Although it involves a meticulous process by experienced technicians, PDR is usually much faster than traditional dent repair. Using the conventional method, severe hail damage could take a few weeks to over a month to finish. PDR requires fewer steps – at StormWise, most of our auto hail repair is done within two weeks.

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Since PDR requires fewer materials and less labor, it can be much more affordable than conventional dent repair. Traditional methods can cost well over tens of thousands of dollars. Whereas, PDR allows for the efficient repair of minor dents and dings for a fraction of the cost.

Another primary reason to opt for PDR is that it restores the surface of your vehicle to its original form. Although traditional dent repair will mask any damage to the naked eye, there is an advantage to PDR beyond aesthetic reasons. Returning the vehicle to its original state can help it retain its value. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could mean a big difference in the amount of money you receive when you can resell your car.

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Finally, since the PDR method does not use paints and chemicals, it is more environmentally friendly than conventional repair.

Variables That Determine Repair Method

A big deciding factor regarding which methods can be used is the condition of the paint. It must be intact for PDR to work since the process involves no repainting of the surface.

The size of the dent also can be a determining factor. Major dents usually require the use of traditional methods, but not always. If the metal has been stretched significantly, then it may not be possible for PDR to return it to its original form. In these cases, the conventional method of repair is necessary.

A final determining factor is the material of the damaged part. PDR is an excellent choice for dented metal, but not possible for plastic.

Other Considerations

It is easy to find a repair shop that can fix your car using conventional dent repair techniques. But finding a PDR specialist could end up saving you a lot of time and money.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, hail damage claims in the U.S. average between $8 and $14 billion every year. If you have comprehensive insurance coverage on your vehicle, it covers weather-related damage like hail. Get a quote from a specialized hail repair shop or use an online hail damage repair cost calculator before you file a claim.

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When you contact us at StormWise, we will handle the insurance process for you.

Don’t Rely on DIY

Auto hail repair may seem like a simple process, but it is best left up to professionals.

Given the available options like PDR and the insurance coverage, why risk doing a poor job repairing the dent yourself or even causing greater damage? Most prominent repair shops provide lifetime guarantees so that you know the repair will be done right.

Contact a reputable hail repair shop for a free estimate. You have nothing to lose by determining what a professional repair will cost. You may be surprised how economically and efficiently an experienced company can fix your dent and get you back on the road.

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Does Auto Insurance Cover Windshield Repair for Minor Chips or Full Replacement?

Windshield damage is a frequent issue for drivers, caused by factors like debris, weather, or minor accidents. Such damage can impact driving safety, as a compromised windshield reduces visibility and weakens the vehicle’s structure. Generally, whether your car insurance policy covers windshield repair or replacement depends on your policy type. Liability insurance, for instance, does not cover windshield repair or replacement as it only addresses damages caused to others. Collision coverage may cover windshield replacement but typically only if the damage is due to a car accident. Comprehensive insurance, however, usually covers both windshield repair and replacement and often offers flexible deductibles. Additionally, glass-specific add-ons can provide more focused coverage, often with reduced or waived deductibles. Jump Here: Understanding Your Insurance Policy for Windshield Coverage Types of Windshield Damage Coverage for Minor Chips and Cracks Coverage for Full Windshield Replacement Factors That Affect Windshield Coverage Frequently Asked Questions Understanding Your Insurance Policy for Windshield Coverage Understanding which type of car insurance covers windshield repair or replacement can help you avoid unexpected costs. The table below provides a breakdown of common insurance types and what each generally covers for windshield damage. Insurance Type Covers Windshield Repair? Covers Full Windshield Replacement? Details Liability Insurance ❌No ❌No Liability insurance does not cover windshield repair or replacement; it only covers damages you cause to others. Collision Insurance ❌No, unless accident-related ✅Yes, if windshield damage is due to a collision Covers windshield replacement only when damage results directly from a collision with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive Insurance ✅Yes ✅Yes Comprehensive policies typically cover both repair and replacement for windshield damage, often with flexible deductibles. Glass Coverage Add-Ons ✅Yes ✅Yes Optional glass add-ons specifically cover windshield and other glass repairs or replacements, often with reduced or waived deductibles. Types of Windshield Damage Windshield damage can vary from minor chips to full-blown cracks, each requiring different repair or replacement approaches: Minor Chips: Small chips are often caused by flying rocks or debris and can usually be repaired without needing a full replacement. Chips are minor enough not to impact visibility or the windshield’s integrity significantly. Full Cracks: Larger cracks are more severe and often result from more substantial impacts. These cracks can grow over time, compromising the driver’s visibility and potentially leading to complete windshield failure. Understanding the type and severity of the damage can influence how and if the insurance covers repairs. Insurers may have specific guidelines, often covering minor repairs at little or no cost while requiring more documentation and higher deductibles for full replacements. Coverage for Minor Chips and Cracks For minor chips and small cracks, insurance coverage can vary. Here are some key considerations: When Insurance Covers Chip Repairs: Comprehensive insurance often covers chip repairs if they meet certain criteria, like being small enough to be repaired effectively and not obstructing visibility. Some insurance providers even waive the deductible for minor repairs to encourage early action and prevent further damage. Benefits of Early Repair: Repairing chips early can help avoid the need for a full replacement. Insurance companies may prefer to cover smaller repairs as they’re usually cheaper than replacements, benefiting both the insurer and the policyholder. Typical Deductibles for Chip Repair: Depending on the insurance provider, chip repairs may come with lower deductibles than full windshield replacements, reducing out-of-pocket costs for minor fixes. Coverage for Full Windshield Replacement In certain situations, a full windshield replacement is necessary, especially when: The windshield has large cracks that impair visibility. There is damage on the driver’s side that disrupts vision. Cracks or damage compromise the structural integrity of the glass. Comprehensive insurance is the most likely policy to cover a full replacement, but it typically includes a deductible. The exact cost will depend on the policy terms and whether the policyholder has glass-specific coverage. State-Specific “Zero-Deductible” Laws Unlike states such as Florida, South Carolina, and Kentucky, which mandate zero-deductible windshield replacements with comprehensive insurance, Colorado does not have such a law. In Colorado, you may still be able to get zero-deductible coverage if you purchase additional glass coverage through your insurance provider. Always check with your insurer for available options. Factors That Affect Windshield Coverage Multiple factors can impact the coverage you receive for windshield repairs or replacement: Deductible Amounts and Policy Details: Insurance providers set their own deductible levels, which can range from minimal to substantial amounts depending on the policy. Insurance Provider Policies: Each insurance company has different policies regarding windshield repairs, especially concerning whether they cover third-party shops or only certain approved repair services. Choice of Repair Shop: In some cases, choosing a repair shop outside the insurance company’s preferred network can impact coverage or reimbursement amounts. While third-party shops may offer flexibility, using insurance-preferred shops can sometimes make the claims process smoother and more cost-effective. Conclusion Windshield damage can be an unexpected and sometimes costly problem. Knowing whether your auto insurance covers repairs or replacements and understanding the nuances of your policy can make a significant difference when handling these issues. Comprehensive insurance is typically the best choice for windshield protection, especially in states with zero-deductible laws for replacements. As always, reviewing your own policy details and consulting with your insurance agent will give you a clear picture of your coverage options for any potential windshield mishaps. Frequently Asked Questions Are cracked windshields covered under warranty? Most manufacturer warranties cover cracked windshields only if caused by a manufacturing defect, like material or installation issues. Damage from external factors (e.g., road debris) typically isn’t covered. Some brands offer optional windshield protection plans: for instance, BMW’s plan covers minor chips and cracks from road debris but excludes cracks over six inches. Hyundai, Subaru, and Ford offer similar plans with specific coverage limits. If your car has advanced driver-assistance features integrated into the windshield, such as lane-keeping cameras or autopilot systems, it’s important to ask about coverage for recalibration, as this can vary by manufacturer and plan. To confirm specific coverage, it’s best to consult your warranty terms or speak with your dealership.

When Not to File an Auto Insurance Claim [How Small Claims Can Impact Your Rates]

Filing an auto insurance claim can seem like a straightforward step after an accident, but knowing when not to file can be just as crucial. Many assume that only major claims affect premiums, but even minor claims can lead to increased rates. In fact, it’s often the reporting of an incident, rather than the insurance claim itself, that triggers higher premiums. Insurers frequently adjust rates simply because an accident was reported, regardless of the severity. This article explores the pros and cons of filing a claim, clears up some common misconceptions, and offers practical advice for various situations to help you make a smart decision. Jump Here: How Small Claims Can Impact Your Insurance Rates Don’t Make This Mistake When Not to File an Auto Insurance Claim #1 Repairs Cost Less than or Near Your Deductible #2 Minor Cosmetic Damage #3 Risk of Losing Your No-Claims Bonus The Hidden Costs of Filing Small Claims When You Should Definitely File a Claim How Small Claims Can Impact Your Insurance Rates  It may come as a surprise that even small claims can raise your rates, as insurers view any accident report as an added risk. Understanding this potential impact can help you make a well-informed choice about whether a car insurance claim is worthwhile. How Insurers Calculate Risk Insurance companies set premiums based on several risk factors, including driving record, frequency of claims, and accident reports. Even minor accidents can signal a higher risk level to insurers, leading to potential rate increases to cover anticipated future claims. Why Small Claims Matter Contrary to popular belief, small claims—or even reports of minor car accidents—can influence premiums. Insurers tend to factor any reported incident into premium calculations, even if it’s minor or not your fault. Knowing that small claims can increase your premiums helps in making more strategic decisions about when it’s best to avoid filing a claim. Don’t Make This Mistake There’s an important distinction between merely reporting an accident and filing an actual claim. Sometimes, just notifying your insurer of an incident (due to police involvement or third-party reports) can lead to a premium hike. If the insurer is already aware of the accident, not filing a claim might not prevent a rate increase. In these cases, filing a claim could actually be beneficial, as the rate impact is already in place, and the claim can help cover repair or medical costs. When Not to File an Auto Insurance Claim For some situations, covering repair costs out-of-pocket directly at a repair shop rather than filing a claim can be advantageous, especially if the accident hasn’t been reported or the insurer is not yet aware. Here are scenarios where forgoing a claim could save you more in the long run. #1 Repairs Cost Less than or Near Your Deductible If your repair costs are close to or just slightly over your deductible, filing a claim may not be worth the potential premium increase. For instance, if your repair estimate is $1,200 and your deductible is $1,000, you’d only receive $200 in coverage—but might face a premium hike that costs much more over time. In these cases, paying out-of-pocket could be a wiser choice, provided the accident hasn’t been reported. #2 Minor Cosmetic Damage Filing claims for minor cosmetic damage, like small dents or scratches, can raise premiums unnecessarily. Such claims can also show up on vehicle history reports (e.g., Carfax), potentially lowering the car’s resale value more than the cost of the damage itself. In most cases, it’s more cost-effective to pay for minor cosmetic repairs yourself to avoid long-term financial impact. #3 Risk of Losing Your No-Claims Bonus Many insurers offer no-claims bonuses or discounts to policyholders with claim-free records, which can save $200-$500 annually. Losing this bonus due to a small claim can have a greater long-term cost than covering a minor repair yourself. This bonus also helps maintain low rates when switching insurers. By avoiding small claims, you can keep this discount intact, especially if the insurer isn’t aware of the incident. The Hidden Costs of Filing Small Claims Deductibles on Multiple Claims: Each accident requires its own deductible, which can add up quickly. For frequent minor incidents, paying out-of-pocket for repairs could save money and help avoid additional rate increases. Risk of Policy Cancellation or Non-Renewal: Filing frequent small claims can make you appear high-risk to insurers, potentially leading to policy cancellation or non-renewal. Even minor claims, if frequent, indicate a higher risk level, which may affect your ability to retain coverage. The Hassle Factor: Small claims can involve considerable paperwork, inspections, and follow-up, which can be time-consuming. For minor damage, consider if the effort involved is worth the potential payout and rate increase. When You Should Definitely File a Claim While there are cases where avoiding a claim is beneficial, some situations require filing to ensure adequate financial and legal protection. Major Accidents or Costly Repairs: When repair costs far exceed your deductible, filing a claim is usually the best route. Significant damage is what insurance is meant to cover, so in these cases, a claim is likely worthwhile. Injuries or Medical Expenses: If anyone involved is injured, filing a claim is essential. Medical expenses can add up quickly, and insurance coverage can help manage these costs. The Other Driver is at Fault: If another driver is responsible, filing a claim helps ensure their insurance covers the damages. Even if your insurance is impacted, it’s important to hold the at-fault party accountable. Liability Concerns: If there’s a chance of a lawsuit or liability, it’s crucial to file a claim for legal protection. Your insurance policy provides liability coverage, and filing safeguards you financially against potential claims from others. Conclusion When deciding whether to file an auto insurance claim, consider the long-term financial impact rather than focusing solely on immediate benefits. Not all accidents require claims, especially if they’re minor and can be managed without involving insurance. Evaluate your specific situation carefully, weigh the costs of repairs against

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Car Hail Damage Repair Cost [With Real Examples]

Hail damage repair for cars can get really expensive. While most articles mention costs ranging from $750 to $3,000, the reality is often much higher because we’re usually dealing with hundreds of dents. At StormWise, we’re the only brand that discloses the real costs for car hail repair, and based on the thousands of cars we’ve fixed in the past three years, the average cost is about $6,750.  The range can be anywhere from $4,000 to as high as $15,000. But here’s what most people don’t know: on average, we charge $0 for the repair.  In this article, we’ll explain the factors that affect the cost and, more importantly, how you can get your car fixed with paying $0 out of pocket. Key Factors Affecting Hail Damage Repair Costs The cost of hail damage repair depends on a few factors: Jump Here: The size and number of dents on the vehicle The material of the vehicle’s panels The severity of the damage – Is there any paint damage? Repair method: Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) or traditional methods Your insurance coverage Repair specialists’ offers Real Examples of Hail Damage Repair Costs Dent Size and Count The size and number of dents affect the cost of hail damage repair. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) uses a pricing matrix based on dent size (like dime, nickel, quarter, or half-dollar) and dent quantity (mild: 6-15 dents, moderate: 16-30 dents). For example, 10 dime-sized dents on a hood might cost around $150. But if there were 20 quarter-sized dents, the cost would increase to about $225 due to the larger size and higher number of dents. For a more detailed breakdown of how PDR costs are calculated, here’s an in-depth look into the PDR pricing matrix. Panel Material Hail repair costs also depend on the complexity of the panel material. Aluminum, for example, is harder to repair than steel because it lacks “metal memory,” meaning it doesn’t easily return to its original shape after a dent. As a result, aluminum panels can cost up to 25% more to fix, requiring specialized tools and techniques. This adds to the repair cost and demands greater skill from the technician. Paint Damage and Severity Beyond the number, size, and material, hail repair costs also depend on the severity of the damage and the methods needed. Severe damage, like cracked or chipped paint, can significantly raise costs. For example, deep dents that break through the paint may require both dent removal and repainting, increasing the expense. Minor touch-ups might cost around $50, while a full car respray for severe damage can reach up to $5,000. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) vs. Traditional Repair Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is usually the most budget-friendly choice for fixing minor dents that haven’t cracked the paint. You can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per dent, depending on the size and how many there are. If there’s paint damage or if the dents are too large for PDR, traditional repair methods will be necessary. These can cost between $500 and $1,500 per panel, with prices going up based on how severe the damage is. Insurance Coverage Most comprehensive car insurance policies cover hail damage because it’s considered an “act of nature.” This means you usually won’t see your premiums go up if you file a claim. Just keep in mind that you need a comprehensive policy—liability-only or collision insurance won’t cut it. With comprehensive insurance, repairs for hail damage won’t affect your rates, but it’s best to act quickly after a storm to prevent any further issues. StormWise can help by working directly with insurance companies to make sure all your repair costs are covered, including any deductibles you might have. Severe hailstorms, like those that hit Colorado, can really cause a lot of damage, with repair bills ranging from $3,000 to over $15,000. Even smaller hailstones can lead to damage that meets or exceeds your deductible, which often means insurance will cover the full repair cost if the damage is significant. Don’t wait too long to get those repairs done. Driving around with unrepaired hail damage can hurt your car’s value and could even lead to lower insurance payouts if you get into an accident later. Some insurance companies might subtract the value of any previous unrepaired damage when calculating payouts for a total loss. Choosing the Right Repair Service for Hail Damage After a hailstorm, acting quickly to repair any damage is essential to maintain your car’s value. Reputable repair services, like StormWise, specialize in Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), a technique that restores dents without affecting your vehicle’s original paint or finish, keeping it in top condition. Look for repair shops with fast turnaround times—StormWise, for example, often completes repairs within two weeks, even during peak seasons. Partnering with a service that works directly with insurance companies can also simplify the claims process and reduce delays. Some providers, including StormWise, offer deductible assistance, easing your out-of-pocket costs. Choosing the right repair service not only ensures fast, quality repairs but also helps maintain your car’s value and avoids complications with future insurance claims. Real Examples of Hail Damage Repair Costs Minor Damage Minor hail damage typically involves hundreds of small dents across the vehicle, as even smaller hailstones can cause widespread impact. Repair costs for this type of damage usually start at $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the extent of the damage and the vehicle’s panel materials. PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) is commonly used for these repairs, ensuring that the vehicle’s original paint remains intact. Moderate Damage Moderate hail damage involves a higher number of dents spread across several panels, leading to more extensive repair needs. Costs for this level of damage typically range from $5,000 to $8,000, depending on the vehicle and the extent of the impact.  Repair specialists often recommend addressing moderate damage quickly to avoid further complications and preserve the car’s value. Severe Damage Severe hail damage involves extensive denting across multiple panels, often requiring significant repairs or part

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